The I-League, second-tier in the Indian footballing structure, is set to commence in November 2024. Since 2022-23, there’s a renewed focus in the competition that had lost a fair bit of its glitter ever since the introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL). The champions of the I-League secure a direct promotion to the ISL now and that’s a fair incentive for teams to really pull up their socks and put their best foot forward, in order to feature in the topmost level of Indian football.
1. Who will follow Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC?
Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC, the first two teams to get promoted to the ISL from the I-League, have found a respectable footing in the former. They have been rubbing shoulders with the best domestic and international footballers playing in the country, and that must encourage the sides in the I-League to rise the ranks too. Unlike conventional wisdom, the competitiveness in the I-League runs deep, with the champions Mohammedan SC and second-placed Sreenidi Deccan separated by a mere four points last season. Will newer challenges come up to secure a move to the ISL soon
2. Sreenidi Deccan enter new era
Whilst Pinto led them to a second-place finish last year, Oramas’ barely two-month-long spell reeks of instability in a club that is destined to make the move up sooner than later. The Portuguese Amorim is a UEFA A-licensed coach but is stepping into Asian shores for the first time in his coaching career. Can he steady their ship and sail it to a successful ending? Only time will tell.
3. Rajasthan United FC finally make homecoming
However, things will change in the coming campaign and fans will hope that the presence of a local touch and flavour will inspire their boys to uplift their performances from the 11th placed finish they had secured in 2023-24.
4. Will the broadcast and production facilities improve?
A major factor worrying supporters of Indian football before every I-League season is the absence of adequate broadcast and production facilities for the games. The AIFF has assured I-League clubs of enhanced broadcast production with up to eight HD cameras and club-centric fixtures, provided they meet infrastructure mandates like 1800 lux floodlights and international-standard pitches this time around.
Clubs unable to meet these standards will receive a reduced camera setup. Task forces with club representatives will collaborate on fixture planning and improving the league’s visibility and quality for the 2024-25 season. However, with a streaming and broadcast partner yet to be zeroed down upon, it remains to be seen if these promises are really fulfilled ahead of the upcoming season.
