After the success of FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Indian Super League 4 kicked off in style on Friday night. Football fans were all in readiness as a capacity crowd had come up to witness the spectacle. There could not have been a better match-up to begin with as ATK and Kerala Blasters locked horns in the opening game. As yesteryear finalists, both these teams were looking for their first win in the league. Apart from this, there have been certain developments in the league making it bigger and better. Let’s have a look.
Indian Super League 4 is now bigger and better
There are a lot of novelties about the fourth season of the league. First of all, ISL is no longer an unofficial league. It has now been officially recognized by the Asian Football Confederation. Following which the winning team will get an AFC Cup playoff spot. Proving to a major game changer for ISL.
Next up, there is an expansion of the league with two new teams in the fray. Namely, Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC have found their way into ISL 4 making the team count to 10 who will battle out for the ultimate prize. Spanning out for four months, the teams would be playing 95 matches in the tournament. The extended time span will be a longer treat for the fans. Moreover, the players will get an appropriate break for rest and training. All these changes have been welcoming for the footballers and the coaches.
The 10 teams at ISL 4 with Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC being the new additions.
Another important facet of ISL 4 is the inclusion of six Indian players instead of five in the playing eleven. This move has been brought forward to promote the development of Indian footballers. Not only it will groom them for bigger stages but give them a chance to enjoy some limelight depending on their performance. A lot rides on them to carry forward the country’s name in the field of football.
Nevertheless, we are in for a bountiful of fun and excitement over the course of four months. Come on India! Let’s Football kyunki “Future Hai Football!” Cheers!
