Durand Cup committee explain absence of ISL clubs, eye a separate women's cup plan
Durand Cup will run from 25th July to 23rd August
Durand Cup 2026 is set to kickstart from 25th July and will run till 23rd August, when the final will be played. As the competition approaches, the Durand Cup Committee sets the tone of the tournament with a great promise.
The oldest tournament in Asia is set to start on 25th July 2026, with the great Kolkata Derby as East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG are ready to face each other in the Durand Cup opener. The two Kolkata rivals will kickstart the 2026 Durand Cup edition from 17:00 IST at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata.
The Durand Cup organisers addressed the media in a press conference ahead of the beginning of the 135th edition of the Durand Cup, sharing updates surrounding the tournament.
In this article we take a look at key takeaways from the official press conference ahead of the Durand Cup 2026.
Why are several ISL clubs absent this year from Durand Cup?
The Durand Cup this time is missing the participation of several ISL clubs, with just 5 of them being a part of this edition of Durand Cup.
Addressing the media and the concerns over some ISL clubs not participating in the Durand Cup 2026, Lt Gen Gambhir Singh said.
“A large number of invites are sent to the teams. Thereafter, some teams respond, and some teams don’t. This year, we had clubs initially confirming and then pulling out at the last moment. So that is the choice of the club.”
“Secondly, if we only have ISL teams playing, then what is the difference between the Durand Cup and ISL?”, he further added.
The Durand Cup organising committee also aims for Pan-India expansion and shared their views regarding the matter.
“The aim is also to have a country-wide participation. Like here in Kolkata, one club from Karnataka is coming, one from UP. So that is an endeavour that is pan-India and not the same old teams keep on participating.”
“I think the aim is to increase the level of sports and give youngsters a good chance to show their talent. I hope that answers your question. Many new clubs are coming, like the Baghpat Football Club, which will be playing in Kolkata for the first time.”
Women’s Durand Cup under consideration
For 135 years, there has been a rich legacy attached with the Durand Cup and now there are some major changes in Indian football.
Women’s football has developed day by day and become a key part of Indian football, and their performance on the biggest stages has showcased the potential of Indian Women’s Football.
As of now, the Durand Cup organisers are considering the introduction of a women’s edition of the tournament.
“So, we have already thought about this. Because again, the issue is how many venues, how many, how much facilities. So probably in the next edition, we may have a smaller version for the girls.”
“And currently, it is very difficult. But yes, this thought has always been there, we never want to give up on something. So that is my assurance.”
When will the Durand 2026 take place?
The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will begin on 25 July 2026 and conclude with the final on 23 August 2026.
How many teams are participating in Durand 2026?
A total of 24 teams will compete for the Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Shimla Trophy.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.