The 132nd edition of the highly anticipated Durand Cup is set to enthrall football fans with its action-packed matches, intense rivalries, and exciting showdowns. As one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, the Durand Cup 2023 promises to be a spectacle like no other. With the participation of 24 teams, including top Indian clubs and foreign teams, football enthusiasts are in for a treat. Let’s delve into the schedule, predictions, fixtures, start date and time, telecast details, and the teams competing in this illustrious tournament.
Schedule And Fixture
The Durand Cup 2023 is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, August 03, 2023, and will run through to Sunday, September 03, 2023. The matches will be held across three vibrant cities – Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kokrajhar – each offering a unique footballing experience.
The tournament features a group stage format, with 24 teams divided into six groups of four each. During the group stage, teams will compete against each other in a round-robin format. The top six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage.
Predictions And Expectations
As with any sporting event, predictions and expectations run high, and the Durand Cup 2023 is no exception. The tournament’s expanded format, including the participation of foreign teams, adds an extra element of unpredictability and excitement. Fans can expect intense battles on the field as teams vie for supremacy and the coveted title.
Some of the traditional football powerhouses, including reigning Indian Super League champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), are likely to be strong contenders. However, the inclusion of foreign teams and the element of surprise can result in unexpected upsets and thrilling clashes.
Start Date And Time
The 132nd Durand Cup will commence on Thursday, August 03, 2023. The opening game will likely take place in the evening, with the exact start time to be announced closer to the event. Football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this date, marking the beginning of a month-long football extravaganza.
Telecast Details
The Durand Cup 2023 will undoubtedly garner significant attention from football fans across the globe. To cater to the massive viewership, several broadcasting channels and streaming platforms are expected to telecast the matches live. Details regarding the official broadcasters and streaming partners will be revealed before the start of the tournament.
Participating Teams
The 132nd edition of the Durand Cup features a diverse lineup of 24 teams from India and neighboring countries. These teams are classified into various categories:
- Indian Super League (ISL) Teams: All 12 ISL teams will participate, showcasing the best talent from India and abroad.
- I-League Teams: Five I-League teams will grace the tournament with their skill and determination.
- I-League 2 Team: One I-League 2 team has secured a spot in the competition, eager to prove their mettle.
- Armed Forces Teams: Three teams representing the armed forces from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh will display their discipline and prowess on the field.
- Overseas Teams: The inclusion of two overseas teams adds an international flavor to the Durand Cup, heightening the competition’s excitement.
- Local Team: Representing the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam, Bodoland FC will proudly take part in the tournament.