The Durand Cup Organising Committee on Thursday confirmed that only six ISL clubs \u2014 Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC, and defending champions NorthEast United FC \u2014 will take part this year, down sharply from 12 last season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This contraction comes amid a standoff between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement \u2014 a deadlock that has left the ISL\u2019s 2025\u201326 season \u201con hold.\u201d The resulting uncertainty has made clubs hesitant about planning their rosters, training schedules, and off-season tournament commitments, including the Durand Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Calling the situation \u201cunprecedented,\u201d Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, acknowledged the ongoing crisis without assigning blame.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all in front of you,\u201d he said. \u201cIt won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a clear attempt to reaffirm the Durand Cup\u2019s prestige, Lt Gen Malhotra announced a substantial increase in prize money \u2014 from under \u20b91.2 crore last year to \u20b93 crore this season. In addition to the cash incentives, top individual performers such as the Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot winner, and Golden Ball winner will receive SUVs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The champion team will also be hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where they will be awarded the President\u2019s Cup by the President of India \u2014 a tradition that underscores the event\u2019s legacy and stature in Indian sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This year\u2019s edition will also mark a geographical milestone, with the Durand Cup expanding into Manipur for the first time. The Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal will host Group F matches, further boosting the sport\u2019s visibility in the Northeast \u2014 a region with deep football roots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, concerns around security were raised. But Lt Gen Malhotra offered firm reassurances: \u201cThere is a lot of vibrancy there \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also credited the support of local heroes. \u201cWe have 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kolkata will once again be at the centre of the Durand Cup\u2019s action, hosting 15 matches including the high-stakes Group A and B fixtures, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the final on August 23. The tournament opener \u2014 East Bengal vs South United FC \u2014 will take place at Salt Lake Stadium, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee set to inaugurate the month-long event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
State Sports Minister Arup Biswas emphasised the tournament\u2019s revitalisation: \u201cIt has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it\u2019s being held in Kolkata.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kolkata\u2019s lineup will feature four clubs this year, including newly-promoted I-League side Diamond Harbour FC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
State Sports Minister Arup Biswas emphasised the tournament\u2019s revitalisation: \u201cIt has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it\u2019s being held in Kolkata.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the reduced ISL footprint, the tournament has upped its international quotient. This year, two foreign teams \u2014 Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) \u2014 will compete, compared to just one last year. This reflects a continued effort to blend local tradition with international flavour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n