The Indian Super League (ISL) is expected to return on September 4, while the prestigious Durand Cup is tentatively scheduled to begin around July 25, following key discussions between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and club representatives earlier this month.
The future of domestic football was among the central topics during a meeting held on June 8, attended by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, AIFF officials, and representatives from almost all ISL clubs. Jamshedpur FC was the only club absent from the gathering. Participants also discussed the league’s commercial direction and agreed that clubs would engage with Genius Sports to explore the way forward.
The upcoming season is expected to feature 14 teams, with Diamond Harbour earning promotion after winning the Indian Football League (IFL). The club participated in the meeting and is currently part of the league’s plans. However, its place in the competition remains uncertain due to allegations of illegal practices. If disciplinary action is taken against the club, the league may proceed with only 13 teams.
The outlook for Indian domestic football appears significantly brighter compared to last year. Around this time in 2025, uncertainty over a long-term commercial partner had left the league in limbo, forcing a delay of nearly eight months. The eventual season was shortened and played in a single-leg format between February and May.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, one of the major talking points was the potential inclusion of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) players in Indian football.
“The meeting went well, and the issue of OCI/PIOs was discussed at length,” the source said.
Efforts to identify and attract players of Indian heritage have already begun. AIFF officials reportedly used their time in London during the Unity Cup to connect with player agencies and footballers of Indian origin about opportunities in Indian football.
Officials believe that encouraging such players to spend at least one season in India could help build a larger talent pool. Clubs are expected to discuss mechanisms for integrating these players, while the AIFF is also working on creating its own database of eligible footballers who could eventually represent the national team.
Former Australia Under-23 international Ryan Williams has emerged as a model for this pathway. Williams spent two seasons with Bengaluru FC in the ISL before obtaining an Indian passport, highlighting a possible route for other players of Indian origin.
The meeting also addressed concerns over the development of Indian forwards and coaches. The national team’s struggles in attack remain a major issue, with the Blue Tigers managing only three open-play goals in the past 15 months. Notably, the most recent goal by a recognised forward came from Ryan Williams against Hong Kong in March, underlining the need for greater investment in homegrown attacking talent.
