ISL 2023-24: Kerala Blasters to play Bengaluru FC on opening day

Champions MBSG to face Punjab FC in their first game

After the completion of the 2023 Durand Cup, the focus now shifts to the 2023-24 ISL season. The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to return for its iconic 10th edition come 21st September for what promises to be the most competitive season ever.

The Times Of India (TOI) has released the first round of fixtures for the ISL. The league opener will witness a mouthwatering clash between arch rivals Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

For the league opener, FSDL’s first choice venue was Kolkata, but due to logistical reasons, they had to shift the venue to Kochi, according to the TOI. And once the venue was decided, Bengaluru FC were undoubtedly the favourites to play against the Blasters, thanks to what happened last season.

The Fixtures

In the second match, Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa will go up against his former side Hyderabad FC. Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face off against new entrants Punjab FC in the third match.

The fourth match will see Durand Cup runners up East Bengal host former league shield winners Jamshedpur FC before Mumbai City FC take an away trip to Guwahati to play against NorthEast United. And Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC will take on Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC.

“All the clubs have been informed of their home matches and Kerala Blasters have been told that they will play in Kochi on September 21. If you want a blockbuster opening, you cannot look beyond Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru,” a source informed TOI.

CEO Resigns

With the ISL all set to enter its tenth edition, the league’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Martin Bain has decided to step down citing personal reasons. The British national leaves his position as the league’s CEO after four glorious years at helm.

Martin will continue working until the end of the month before wrapping up his time in India. Moreover, the FSDL has no plans to appoint an interim CEO following Martin’s departure.