Overview
- The Durand Cup Organising Committee announced on Wednesday, July 1 that the 135th edition will run from July 25 to August 23 with the final at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
- The tournament has been expanded to a 24-team format that mixes Indian Super League and I‑League clubs, Services sides and overseas entrants.
- Seven teams will make their Durand Cup debuts this year, including Defenders FC of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and Meghalaya’s Nongkseh Sports, Social & Cultural Club.
- Matches will be played across five host cities with Kolkata as the hub hosting the opener, group matches, two quarter-finals, a semi-final and the final while Ranchi will host Durand Cup fixtures at Birsa Munda Stadium for the first time.
- Organised by the Indian Army for the three Services and sponsored by IndianOil, the Durand Cup remains Asia’s oldest tournament and a platform that gives smaller clubs, Service teams and regional players wider national exposure.