I-League Fixtures 2017/18: Complete Schedule of Matches

Defending champions Aizawl FC are set to face East Bengal in their first match.
Defending champions Aizawl FC are set to face East Bengal in their first match.

What’s the story?

I-League, the top tier football league in the country, is all set to kick off a little over a week after the cash-rich Indian Super League (ISL), on Saturday November 25, as Mohun Bagan take on Minerva Punjab.

Meanwhile, defending champions Aizawl FC are set to face East Bengal in Kolkata, in their first game in defence of their I-League title.

In case you didn’t know

There had been a lot of speculation surrounding the I-League fixtures, over the last few weeks. A number of the I-League clubs had complained about the delay in confirmation of the fixtures, which was causing them harm with regards to ticket sales, and garnering sponsors for the side.

AIFF sources had revealed to Sportskeeda earlier this month that the I-League will begin on November 25, although the exact fixture list was not announced.

Heart of the matter

Now, the I-League fixtures have been released by Neroca FC on Facebook. This list of fixtures shows that Minerva FC are set to welcome Mohun Bagan to their ground in the opening match.

This time round, the I-League is set to be a little over a three-month affair, with 10 teams participating in the league. Interestingly, the dates for the last six fixtures of the I-League are yet to be decided.

The Kolkata Derby, which is the marquee fixture in the I-League is set to take place on December 3, and January 13. While the first of these fixtures will be the home game for Mohun Bagan, the second one will be hosted by East Bengal.

What’s next?

With the I-League fixtures finally out, the teams can now look forward to yet another pulsating season of football. However, some of the off-the-pitch matter to be taken care of could have gotten a bit more difficult due to the delayed release of these rankings.

Author’s take

The I-League still remains the top league in the country. However, the release of the fixtures just 11 days ahead of the actual start of the league does not bode well for the tournament.

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Edited by Soumo Ghosh