The 2023-24 season of Indian Football has begun from 3rd August with Durand Cup acting as the season opener. This season the Nepalese as well as Bangladesh Army teams will take place. This time 24 teams are going to take part in the tournament. The tournament will be played across three venues in the North-eastern part of India.
ISL Teams
The Durand Cup tournament is to be held for 1 month after which the ISL will start. Most of the ISL teams send their reserve teams to the tournament. The reserve teams consist of Indian players which helps to improve their ability and get them game time. They also gain experience in pressure situations against opposition teams which helps them to get promoted to the first team. The coaches also use this tournament to test their tactics and formations. Coaches also test their players from the foreign quota to get them acquainted with the conditions, performance and if they are injury prone. The foreigners also get to know what to expect from the Indian Super League.
While some teams send their main team to win no matter what, keeping in the 132-year-old prestige of the tournament. This also helps them gain momentum going forward to the Indian Super League.
I-League teams in Durand Cup
I-League teams specifically send their main teams to the Durand Cup so as to prepare them for the I-League. As AIFF has started promotion to the ISL, teams take part in the tournament as a pre-season test. This helps them to get into their full potential till the league starts. The teams mostly consist of young players who might get selected for the ISL teams based on their performance.
For example, one player who won the hearts of the fans due to his dribbling skills and gameplay was Muhammed Nemil of FC Goa.
Keep following our Twitter Handle for more updates.
