Asia’s oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup, is all set to kick off on July 23 with a record prize pool, expanded venues, and increased international participation. But even as organisers gear up for a vibrant edition, the shadow of uncertainty around the Indian Super League (ISL) looms large.
Only six ISL clubs — Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and defending champions NorthEast United FC — have confirmed participation this year, down from 12 last season.
The drop comes amid a deadlock between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), casting doubt over the ISL’s 2025–26 season. The standoff has disrupted club planning and dampened the build-up to the Durand Cup.
“It’s all in front of you,” said Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, when asked about the impasse. “It won’t be appropriate for us to comment on this, but what we are certain of is that both parties are committed to the development of Indian football, and we hope the matter will be resolved soon.”
Despite the turbulence, organisers are pushing forward with renewed ambition. Prize money has been increased to Rs 3 crore — up from Rs 1.2 crore last year — with individual honours such as the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Best Goalkeeper awards now including SUVs.
The tournament’s winners will also be felicitated at Rashtrapati Bhavan, receiving the President’s Cup from the President of India — a tradition that continues to reflect the legacy and prestige of the competition.
For the first time, Manipur will host matches, with Group F ties set to be played at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal. Addressing concerns over security in the conflict-hit state, Lt Gen Malhotra said, “There is a lot of vibrancy there — we saw that during the trophy unveiling. Let me assure you that all necessary measures are in place in Manipur for the safe conduct of the tournament.”
He credited the support of local icons such as Thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chanu, and several members of the national team, saying their involvement would inspire a successful campaign in the region.
Kolkata will continue to be the tournament’s nerve centre, hosting 15 matches — including the opening fixture, one quarter-final, a semi-final, and the final on August 23. The tournament opener between East Bengal and South United FC will be held at the Salt Lake Stadium, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee set to inaugurate the event.
State Sports Minister Arup Biswas hailed the tournament’s continued revival. “It has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it’s being held in Kolkata,” he said.
Four Kolkata-based clubs will participate this year, including newly-promoted I-League side Diamond Harbour FC.
Addressing media reports that clubs had expressed dissatisfaction over the distribution of complimentary tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra firmly denied the claims. “These reports are incorrect. Let me tell you that as per a signed agreement, each club will receive 5,200 complimentary passes,” he said.
Despite the trimmed ISL contingent, the Durand Cup has strengthened its international presence. Two foreign sides — Tribhuwan Army FC of Nepal and Armed Forces FC of Malaysia — will feature this year, compared to one in the previous edition.
As Indian football navigates uncertain waters at the league level, the Durand Cup is poised to offer fans a month-long celebration of heritage, competition, and hope.
