In the 2021-22 season, Mohammedan Sporting settled for the runner-up position. However, in the current 2023-24 season, Mohammedan Sporting is poised to claim the I-League championship.
Just one more point is needed to secure the traditional I-League trophy for the first time, potentially bringing it back to the Calcutta Maidan after a four-year hiatus.
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Mohammedan’s Journey to the I-League Championship and Potential ISL Entry
If Mohammedan becomes the I-League champions this season, they will earn a license to compete in the ISL next season. Consequently, the Indian Super League will feature the three main teams of Kolkata Maidan: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting.
Currently, Mohammedan needs just one draw to secure the I-League championship. With 49 points in 22 matches, they lead the league table, followed by Srinidhi Deccan with 44 points and Real Kashmir with 40 points, both also having played 22 matches.
Real Kashmir has won their last two matches, collecting six points, but will not surpass Mohammedan. However, if Srinidhi wins their remaining two matches, they will accumulate six points, reaching a total of 50 points. Meanwhile, if Mohammedan loses their last two matches, they will remain at 49 points, potentially allowing Srinidhi to claim the championship in that scenario.
If Mohammedan manages to draw at least one of their last two matches, they will reach 50 points. In this scenario, Mohammedan would secure the championship based on their head-to-head record with Srinidhi. Mohammedan won one match against Srinidhi and drew the return match. If Mohammedan wins at least one of their last two matches, no other team would be able to surpass them in terms of points.
Mohammedan could have clinched the I-League championship on Thursday if Srinidhi had lost to Neroca in their 22nd league match. In such a scenario, Srinidhi would have ended with 43 points in 22 matches, leaving them unable to surpass Mohammedan’s current 49 points, even if they won their last two matches. However, Mohammedan’s hopes were delayed as the match between Srinidhi and Neroca ended in a 1-1 draw.
Now, Mohammedan will face Shillong Lajong in their 23rd league match on Saturday. They will secure the I-League title only if this match ends in a draw. Mohammedan’s final match will be against Delhi on April 13.
Three Clubs from Kolkata To play in ISL and What Will It Mean For Kolkata Clubs and Football as a Whole?
The entry of three iconic Kolkata clubs, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting, into the Indian Super League (ISL) signifies a significant milestone for Indian football, particularly in the cultural hub of Kolkata. Their inclusion not only amplifies the competitive landscape of the ISL but also revitalizes historic rivalries, adding a new dimension of excitement to the league.
The passionate fanbase of these clubs is expected to further energize the already vibrant football culture in Kolkata, leading to increased attendance at matches and heightened engagement both locally and nationally.
Moreover, participation in the ISL presents valuable development opportunities for Kolkata clubs, offering access to modern infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and top-tier coaching expertise. This exposure can facilitate the nurturing of young talent and the overall enhancement of football standards in Kolkata and its surrounding regions.
Additionally, the economic impact of having three Kolkata clubs in the ISL cannot be overstated, as it is likely to stimulate tourism, create job opportunities, and generate revenue through various channels such as ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Overall, the presence of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting in the ISL not only elevates the stature of the league but also symbolizes a significant step forward for Kolkata clubs and Indian football as a whole. It fosters a sense of pride and excitement among fans while promising to usher in a new era of growth, competitiveness, and development in the sport.
