New Delhi: Mohammedan Sporting’s relegation from Indian football’s top flight coincided with the inception of the Indian Super league in 2014. The coincidence is hard to miss but a decade on, the two are set to shake hands after the Kolkata side’s promotion as I-League champions.
It means that the ‘Big Three’ of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan, all hailing from the hub of Kolkata would compete in the top tier for the first time since 2013-14, making it an occasion to rejoice given the century-plus history of each of the three clubs and their overall contribution to Indian football.
Mohammedan’s introduction makes the tournament swell to 13 teams, which remains exempt from relegation that was prescribed to begin from 2024-25 season in a roadmap prepared by the Asian Football Confederation.
The All Indian Football Federation has decided to deviate from that blueprint even after the AFC’s nudge to honour it. At least Mohammedan wouldn’t have to worry about beating the drop, having thrice been relegated in the days of the National Football League and I-League.
Instead, they would want to make a mark straight away after retaining most of their home-grown players and coach Russian Andrey Chernyshov. The black and whites wouldn’t have to look too far from their Maidan bedfellows Bagan and EB to be aware of how life in ISL could be.
Bagan and EB entered the ISL in 2020, relinquishing control to corporate investors though both took different approach. Bagan’s stock have soared since as they have consistently been title contenders, and have assembled a formidable squad with three Australian World Cuppers to retain their ISL Shield title.
East Bengal have struggled, finishing on the bottom half every season, even finishing below everyone in 2021 but escaping relegation as the tournament was exemt from the drop then.
The duo have spiced up the environment even before beginning of the acton with a transfer battle over defender Anwar Ali.
Increased competition expected
It still remains so but with 13 teams competing for the top six slots, which gives a shot to enter the play-offs for the ISL Cup, greater competition is guaranteed.
Mumbai City denied Bagan a Shield-Cup ‘double’ last season and look equally formidable going into the tournament, which begins with the blockbuster game in Kolkata on Friday between the two silverware winning teams of last season.
Bagan and Mumbai look the strongest on paper but the likes of Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and East Bengal not to forget Durand Cup champions NorthEast United would all fancy their chances.
So would Chennaiyin, Punjab and Kerala Blasters, all having made brisk business at the summer transfer window. Jamshedpur and Hyderabad would hope to give a good account of themselves, for the which the latter have to rely on free players to build a squad after a late change in ownership and multiple transfer bans.
In the broader perspective, focus would be also be on Indian goal-getters, as anyone finding the net consistently would have a clear passage to the national team after the retirement of Sunil Chhetri.
ISL opening match: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City
Live telecast of the ISL’s opening match from 7.30 pm will be available on Sports18 Network with live streaming on Jio Cinema.
The 2024-25 ISL will kick off with a clash between last season’s finalists MohunBagan and Mumbai City FC on Friday Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
