The upcoming Durand Cup may see participation from only six Indian Super League teams this year, down from 12 last season, but Asia's oldest football tournament has received a significant prize money boost, the organisers announced on Thursday.
The reduced ISL presence could largely be due to the ongoing deadlock between Football Sports Development Limited and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement.
The ISL Uncertainity
The uncertainty has forced the ISL to put its 2025–26 season "on hold", creating confusion for franchises about their team building, schedules and commitments, and resulting in fewer ISL clubs confirming participation in the Durand Cup, starting July 23.
Calling the situation "unprecedented", Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command, and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, said: "It's all in front of you."
"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.
"As far as the Durand Cup is concerned, we have received tremendous support from FSDL and the AIFF over the years and we remain thankful to them."
Record Increase In Prize Money
Lt Gen Malhotra also announced that the prize money this year has been increased from less than Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 3 crore, and three SUVs will be awarded to individual winners.
Individual awardees -- like the Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball winners -- will receive SUVs.
The champion team will be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President will hand over the President's Cup.
Only Six ISL Teams
Only six ISL teams -- Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and defending champions NorthEast United FC -- have confirmed their participation this year.
But the tournament will have two foreign teams Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) -- up from one last year.
Kolkata will host 15 matches, including the Group A and B league fixtures, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the summit clash on August 23.
The city will also for the first time see four teams in action including the newly-promoted I-League-side Diamond Harbour FC.
East Bengal and South United FC will kick off the month-long tournament on July 23 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the event, state Sports Minister Arup Biswas said.
"It has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it’s being held in Kolkata," Biswas said.
Addressing past reports of dissatisfaction among city clubs over complimentary tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra said: "These reports are incorrect. Let me tell you that as per a signed agreement, each club will receive 5,200 complimentary passes.”
For the first time, the tournament will also be held in Manipur, with the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium hosting the Group F matches.
Asked about security concerns in Manipur amid prevailing tensions, 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. We have also received immense support from local icons like Thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chanu and seven members of the Indian football team. We are confident of a successful outing there."
