The Indian Super League is finally ready to roll. The much-anticipated league will startfrom February 14, bringing relief to fans who had feared a prolonged shutdown of the country’s premier football competition.
Bengal as the ISL epicentre
This time, as many as four clubs have opted to make Bengal their home. Just alongside Bengal giants East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Mohammedan Sporting, Inter Kashi FC has also chosen to play its home matches in the state. With that, Bengal will host more ISL football than ever before.
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants, as expected, have confirmed Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) as their home venue. Mohammedan Sporting, continuing last season’s arrangement, has indicated Kishore Bharati Krirangan as their home ground, though a final confirmation is still awaited.
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Now, the most interesting addition is Inter Kashi FC. The reigning I-League champions had earlier hinted that they might adopt Bengal as their home base this season, and they have now made it official.
Inter Kashi will split their home matches between Barasat Stadium and Kalyani Stadium.
ISL season set to kick off amidst unanswered questions
Bengaluru FC will continue at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Kerala Blasters FC return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Mumbai City FC will host games at the Mumbai Football Arena, and Chennaiyin FC will play at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
Hyderabad FC, NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC are also set to play in front of their home fans, with Odisha FC finally confirming participation after weeks of silence.
However, nearly half the clubs are yet to officially announce their home grounds. More importantly, while the ISL’s start date has been confirmed, there is still no clarity on when the season will end, how long it will run, or where the matches will be broadcast.
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Notably, almost every club has already slashed player salaries. Following this, several foreign players have already left, including names like Tiri, Noah, Borja Herrera and Hamid Ahadad.
