Durand Cup 2025: Prize cash triples however ISL participation drops amid uncertainty after suspension

Kolkata: The upcoming Durand Cup may even see participation from solely six Indian Tremendous League groups this 12 months, down from 12 final season, however Asia’s oldest soccer match has acquired a major prize cash enhance, the organisers introduced on Thursday.

The diminished ISL presence may largely be as a result of ongoing impasse between Soccer Sports activities Improvement Restricted and the All India Soccer Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Grasp Rights Settlement.

The uncertainty has pressured the ISL to place its 2025–26 season “on maintain”, creating confusion for franchises about their staff constructing, schedules and commitments, and leading to fewer ISL golf equipment confirming participation within the Durand Cup, beginning July 23.

Calling the state of affairs “unprecedented”, Chief of Employees, Headquarters Jap Command, and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, mentioned: “It’s all in entrance of you.”

“It gained’t be acceptable for us to touch upon this, however what we’re sure of is that each events are dedicated to the event of Indian soccer and we hope the matter might be resolved quickly.

“So far as the Durand Cup is anxious, we now have acquired super help from FSDL and the AIFF over time and we stay grateful to them.” Lt Gen Malhotra additionally introduced that the prize cash this 12 months has been elevated from lower than Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 3 crore, and three SUVs might be awarded to particular person winners.

Particular person awardees – just like the Finest Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball winners – will obtain SUVs.

The champion staff might be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the place the President will hand over the President’s Cup.

Solely six ISL groups – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and defending champions NorthEast United FC – have confirmed their participation this 12 months.

However the match can have two overseas groups Tribhuwan Military FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) – up from one final 12 months.

Kolkata will host 15 matches, together with the Group A and B league fixtures, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the summit conflict on August 23.

Town will even for the primary time see 4 groups in motion together with the newly-promoted I-League-side Diamond Harbour FC.

East Bengal and South United FC will kick off the month-long match on July 23 on the Salt Lake Stadium.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the occasion, state Sports activities Minister Arup Biswas mentioned.

“It has returned to its former glory in the previous couple of years. That is the sixth time it’s being held in Kolkata,” Biswas mentioned.

Addressing previous stories of dissatisfaction amongst metropolis golf equipment over complimentary tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra mentioned: “These stories are incorrect. Let me inform you that as per a signed settlement, every membership will obtain 5,200 complimentary passes.”

For the primary time, the match will even be held in Manipur, with the Khuman Lampak Principal Stadium internet hosting the Group F matches.

Requested about safety issues in Manipur amid prevailing tensions, Lt Gen Malhotra mentioned: “There may be numerous vibrancy there – we noticed that through the trophy unveiling.”

“Let me guarantee you that every one vital measures are in place in Manipur for the protected conduct of the match. We’ve got additionally acquired immense help from native icons like Thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chanu and 7 members of the Indian soccer staff. We’re assured of a profitable outing there.”