Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has acquired the broadcasting rights for the Durand Cup between 2023 and 2024. They will be taking over from Sports 18, and will broadcast the tournament not only in India but also in the neighbouring countries of the subcontinent such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Maldives.
The 2023 edition of the tournament – its 132nd edition, will start on 3rd August. 43 matches will be played over the course of a month until September 3, with 24 teams set to play. This is up four teams from last year when 20 teams competed for the historic title.
Durand Cup 2023 broadcast rights secured by Sony Sports Network
Last year, Bengaluru FC won the title with India captain Sunil Chhetri lifting the trophy for the first time in his career. This time around, it will be interesting to see who takes the Cup. Competition will be high among the domestic teams, with several new signings already confirmed for all teams.
This will also be the first time in 27 years that foreign teams will also participate. Nepal and Bangladesh have confirmed that their army teams will play the Durand Cup this year, expanding the scope of the tournament.
Most of the games will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The hosting duties will also be shared by Guwahati and Kokrajhar in Assam, with a quarter final each to be played in these cities.
The matches will be available to watch live on Sony Ten channels, as well as their OTT platform, Sony Liv.
