Durand Cup 2025: The Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, returns for its 134th edition in 2025, promising an electrifying month of competitive action from July 23 to August 23 across five major Indian cities. With top Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League teams in participation, the Durand Cup 2025 is expected to be a spectacle for football fans across the country.
A Legacy Like No Other
First held in 1888, the Durand Cup has a storied legacy that predates even the oldest European football tournaments. It stands as a symbol of tradition, pride, and competitive spirit in Indian football. The tournament has evolved over the years, now serving as a key pre-season event for ISL and I-League clubs.
Format of Durand Cup 2025
This year’s edition will feature 24 teams divided into 6 groups. The top team from each group and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the final on August 23.
Participating Teams
A mix of ISL, I-League, armed forces, and institutional teams will compete in this year’s edition:
- ISL Teams: East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC
- I-League Teams: Shillong Lajong FC, Namdhari FC, Diamond Harbour FC
- Institutional Teams: Indian Army FT, Indian Navy FT, ITBP FT, BSF FT, Indian Air Force FT
- Others: Real Kashmir FC, TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, South United FC, Rangdajied United FC, Bodoland FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, 1 Ladakh FC, Foreign Services Team
Group Breakdown
- Group A (Kolkata): East Bengal FC, South United FC, Indian Air Force FT, Namdhari FC
- Group B (Kolkata): Mohun Bagan SG, Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC, BSF FT
- Group C (Jamshedpur): Jamshedpur FC, Indian Army FT, 1 Ladakh FC, Foreign Services Team
- Group D (Kokrajhar): Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Punjab FC, ITBP FT, Bodoland FC
- Group E (Shillong): NorthEast United FC, Rangdajied United FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Foreign Services Team
- Group F (Imphal): TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy FT, Real Kashmir FC
Match Fixtures
The group stage begins with East Bengal FC vs South United FC on July 23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata. Each group will play round-robin matches followed by the knockout phase starting August 16.
Knockout Stage Schedule
- Quarterfinals: August 16-17
- Semifinals: August 19-20
- Final: August 23
Hosting Cities and Venues
Durand Cup 2025 will be played in the following cities:
- Kolkata (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kishore Bharati Krirangan)
- Jamshedpur (JRD Tata Sports Complex)
- Shillong (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium)
- Kokrajhar (S.A.I. Stadium)
- Imphal (Khuman Lampak Main Stadium)
Durand Cup 2025 Ticket Price
| Price Range (INR) | Price Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Group Stage Matches | ₹20 – ₹100 |
| Marquee Group Matches | ₹100 – ₹200 |
| Quarter-Finals | ₹150 – ₹300 |
| Semi-Finals | ₹200 – ₹400 |
| Final Match | ₹300 – ₹600 |
Where to Buy Tickets
Fans can book tickets online through platforms like BookMyShow. Ticket prices vary by city and match type, with general admission starting from ₹20 to ₹100, while marquee matches may be priced higher. Book early for key fixtures to avoid disappointment.
Teams to Watch
- NorthEast United FC (Defending Champions)
- East Bengal FC (Fan favorites with a strong squad)
- Mohun Bagan SG (Historic club with title ambitions)
- Jamshedpur FC (Consistent performers)
Broadcast & Live Streaming
Durand Cup 2025 will be broadcast live on major sports channels and streamed online through select OTT platforms. Fans can catch all matches, highlights, and exclusive interviews on these platforms.
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Fan Experience & Travel Guide
Each host city offers a unique football atmosphere:
- Kolkata: Rich legacy, passionate fans
- Shillong: Youth-driven football culture
- Jamshedpur: Strong home crowd
- Kokrajhar & Imphal: Emerging football hubs in Northeast India
Plan your match day by arriving early, using public transport, and enjoying local cuisine and fan activities near stadiums.
Durand Cup 2025 – Group Stage Schedule
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Jul 2025 | 17:30 | East Bengal FC vs South United FC | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 27 Jul 2025 | 19:00 | Indian Air Force FT vs South United FC | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 30 Jul 2025 | 19:00 | Namdhari FC vs South United FC | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 03 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Namdhari FC vs Indian Air Force FT | Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 06 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | East Bengal FC vs Namdhari FC | Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 10 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | East Bengal FC vs Indian Air Force FT | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
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Group B – Kolkata (All matches at Kishore Bharati / Vivekananda Stadium)
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Jul 2025 | 19:00 | Mohammedan SC vs Diamond Harbour FC | Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 31 Jul 2025 | 16:00 | Mohun Bagan SG vs Mohammedan SC | Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 01 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Diamond Harbour FC vs BSF FT | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 04 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Mohun Bagan SG vs BSF FT | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 07 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | BSF FT vs Mohammedan SC | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| 09 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Diamond Harbour FC vs Mohun Bagan SG | Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
Group C – Jamshedpur (JRD Tata Sports Complex)
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jul 2025 | 17:30 | Jamshedpur FC vs Foreign Services Team | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
| 29 Jul 2025 | 16:00 | Jamshedpur FC vs Indian Army FT | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
| 02 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Foreign Services Team vs 1 Ladakh FC | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
| 05 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Indian Army FT vs Foreign Services Team | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
| 08 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Jamshedpur FC vs 1 Ladakh FC | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
| 11 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Indian Army FT vs 1 Ladakh FC | JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
Group D – Kokrajhar (Sai Stadium)
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Jul 2025 | 16:00 | ITBP FT vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC | Sai Stadium, Kokrajhar |
| 31 Jul 2025 | 16:00 | Bodoland FC vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC | Sai Stadium, Kokrajhar |
| 03 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC vs Punjab FC | Sai Stadium, Kokrajhar |
| 06 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | ITBP FT vs Punjab FC | Sai Stadium, Kokrajhar |
| 09 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Bodoland FC vs Punjab FC | Sai Stadium, Kokrajhar |
| 12 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Bodoland FC vs ITBP FT | Sai Stadium, Kokrajhar |
Group E – Shillong (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium)
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Jul 2025 | 16:00 | Shillong Lajong FC vs Foreign Services Team | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
| 29 Jul 2025 | 19:00 | Shillong Lajong FC vs Rangdajied United FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
| 02 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | NorthEast United FC vs Foreign Services Team | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
| 05 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Rangdajied United FC vs Foreign Services Team | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
| 08 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | Shillong Lajong FC vs NorthEast United FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
| 11 Aug 2025 | 19:00 | NorthEast United FC vs Rangdajied United FC | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong |
Group F – Imphal (Khuman Lampak Main Stadium)
| Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jul 2025 | 16:00 | TRAU FC vs NEROCA FC | Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal |
| 01 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | Indian Navy FT vs Real Kashmir FC | Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal |
| 04 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | TRAU FC vs Real Kashmir FC | Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal |
| 07 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | NEROCA FC vs Indian Navy FT | Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal |
| 10 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | NEROCA FC vs Real Kashmir FC | Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal |
| 12 Aug 2025 | 16:00 | TRAU FC vs Indian Navy FT | Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal |
Conclusion
Durand Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of Indian football heritage. With a robust format, passionate teams, and enthusiastic fans, this edition promises unforgettable moments. Whether you support ISL giants or root for underdog I-League teams, Durand Cup 2025 will have something for every football lover.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Durand Cup? A
: Asia’s oldest football competition, started in 1888, held annually in India.
Q2: When does Durand Cup 2025 start and end?
A: From July 23 to August 23, 2025.
Q3: How can I book tickets?
A: Through online platforms like BookMyShow.
Q4: Which teams are participating?
A: 24 teams including 6 ISL clubs, I-League teams, and institutional squads.
Q5: Where can I watch the matches live?
A: Sports TV channels and select OTT platforms will broadcast live matches.
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