Kolkata, July 17: The Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, is set to commence on July 23, boasting a significant hike in prize money, fresh venues, and an expanded international presence. However, its exciting build-up is tempered by uncertainties surrounding Indian club football, particularly the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Durand Cup Organising Committee confirmed that only six ISL clubs — Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC, and the defending champions NorthEast United FC — will participate this year, a sharp decline from the twelve clubs that took part last season.
This reduction comes amid a standoff between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over renewing the Master Rights Agreement, leaving the ISL’s 2025–26 season in limbo. This uncertainty has made clubs wary about planning their rosters, training schedules, and commitments to the Durand Cup.
Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, described the situation as “unprecedented.” He acknowledged the ongoing crisis but refrained from assigning blame. “Both parties are committed to the development of Indian football, and we hope the matter will be resolved soon. We have received tremendous support from FSDL and the AIFF over the years, for which we are grateful,” he said.
To reaffirm the Durand Cup’s prestige, Lt Gen Malhotra announced a substantial increase in prize money from under ₹1.2 crore last year to ₹3 crore this season. In addition to cash prizes, top individual performers, including the Best Goalkeeper and the Golden Boot winner, will receive SUVs.
The champion team will be honored at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where they will receive the President’s Cup from the President of India, highlighting the event’s legacy in Indian sports.
This year’s edition marks a notable geographical expansion, introducing the Durand Cup in Manipur for the first time. The Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal will host Group F matches, enhancing the sport’s visibility in this football-rich region.
Concerns about security have emerged due to ongoing tensions in Manipur, but Lt Gen Malhotra reassured, “There is a lot of vibrancy there. We have all necessary measures in place for the safe conduct of the tournament.” He also acknowledged support from local icons, including Thoiba Singh and Mirabai Chanu, reinforcing confidence in a successful event.
Kolkata will again be the hub of the Durand Cup, hosting 15 matches, including high-stakes fixtures, a quarter-final, semi-final, and the final on August 23. The tournament opener, featuring East Bengal against South United FC, will occur at Salt Lake Stadium, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee set to inaugurate the month-long event.
State Sports Minister Arup Biswas highlighted the tournament’s revitalization: “It has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it’s being held in Kolkata.” This year’s lineup includes four clubs, with newly-promoted I-League side Diamond Harbour FC. In response to media reports of dissatisfaction regarding complimentary tickets among city clubs, Lt Gen Malhotra declared, “These reports are incorrect. Each club will receive 5,200 complimentary passes as per a signed agreement.”
Despite the diminished presence of ISL clubs, the tournament has increased its international appeal. This year, two foreign teams — Tribhuwan Army FC from Nepal and Armed Forces from Malaysia — will compete, up from one last year, showcasing an ongoing effort to blend local tradition with international flair.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/07/17/durand-cup-2025-returns-with-prize-money-boost-new-venues-but-amid-isl-uncertainty/
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Publish Date: 2025-07-17 21:31:00
