The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is set to commence on September 13, marking the beginning of its 11th edition. This season will feature a record 13 teams, with Mohammedan SC joining the competition after their promotion from the I-League.
Mohammedan SC, who clinched the I-League title last season, becomes the second team to be promoted to the ISL following Punjab FC. This expansion aligns with the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) roadmap presented to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), aimed at enhancing the league’s competitive structure.
The upcoming season will see all 13 teams vying for two prestigious titles: the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup. The ISL Shield is awarded to the team that finishes at the top of the league stages, and the Shield winner also earns a spot in the AFC Champions League. Introduced in the 2019-20 season, the Shield recognizes the best team in the league over the regular season.
The top six teams from the league stage will compete for the ISL Cup, with the top two teams advancing directly to the semi-finals. The remaining four teams will battle it out in a playoff to secure their place in the semi-finals of the cup competition.
Reigning ISL Shield champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will enter the new season as the team to beat. Mohun Bagan dominated the league last season, amassing a record 48 points. They also reached the ISL Cup final but fell short as Mumbai City FC won the cup with a 3-1 victory in the final at Salt Lake Stadium, marking their second ISL Cup triumph.
The schedule and fixtures for the ISL 2024-25 season are yet to be announced, leaving fans eagerly awaiting details on the upcoming matches and the competition’s structure.