ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AIFF) has prepared a tentative schedule for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season, enabling prospective commercial partners to plan their bids accordingly.
The draft fixture list features all 91 matches of the season, with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant set to host Kerala Blasters at the Salt Lake Stadium on 14 February in the opening game. One of the highlights of the calendar, the Kolkata derby, is scheduled for a 7.30 pm kick-off on 3 May, while the league stage will conclude with Chennaiyin FC facing Bengaluru FC on 17 May.
According to the proposed format, each matchday will feature double-headers, with the competition to be played in a single-leg home-and-away structure. The schedule, however, remains subject to change, depending on the availability and convenience of clubs and other stakeholders.
As reported by Sportstar, the AIFF discussed measures to make the shortened season more cost-effective during its meeting with ISL clubs on 28 December. These deliberations led to discussions with state governments and the Sports Authority of India regarding stadium usage.
Consequently, the draft schedule outlines notable venue changes for several clubs. Mohammedan Sporting, which had initially finalised Kishore Bharati Krirangan, is now planning to base itself at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur for the upcoming season.
Inter Kashi, which played its I-League home matches in Kalyani, West Bengal, last season, is exploring the option of sharing the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar with Odisha FC. The venue is owned and operated by the Odisha State Government.
Chennaiyin FC will continue to host matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with its first home fixture scheduled for 13 March against Mohammedan Sporting. NorthEast United FC, which split its home games between Guwahati and Shillong last season, will return exclusively to the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai.
Kerala Blasters FC are set to play their home matches at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, a venue that has previously hosted Super Cup fixtures.
At present, three stadiums: Kalinga Stadium, EMS Corporation Stadium and Mumbai City Arena are awaiting final confirmation, though all are expected to be approved ahead of the four-month ISL season.
