ISL 2020-21: India’s first major tournament since lockdown set for kick-off

Behind closed doors and with a raft of health safety measures in place, football’s Indian Super League (ISL) will kick off on Friday. And become the country’s first major tournament to be organised since the enforcement of a COVID-19 lockdown eight months ago.

Former champions ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters will start the proceedings with what is expected to be a blockbuster clash at the GMC Stadium.

But the season’s first biggest game will undoubtedly be the one between ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal in Fatorda on November 27, the two heavyweights renewing their more-than-a-century-old rivalry in a new avatar.

Indian Super League:

The tournament, which will run from November to March, is being restricted to a single venue in view of the pandemic.

As per the protocols shared with the cubs, everyone involved with the tournament will be required to provide daily health updates through an app especially designed for this purpose.

Bio-secure Environment:

All the teams have been staying in a bio-secure environment since their arrival in the coastal state.

The 10 competing franchises have been divided into three groups with Group A comprising four teams. And Group B and C consisting of three sides each.

The ISL has also formed a central medical team and employed a League Hygiene Officer. In addition, who will issue operational directives. And ensure implementation of the same through the tournament.

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The ISL has also mandated that the clubs hire a Hygiene Officer of their own. In addition, who will be in charge of ensuring the health. And safety of the players/team officials throughout the season.

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