Xtra Time Web Desk: Long wait is over for the soccer crazy fans in the country as the countdown is begun for the seventh edition of Indian Super League (ISL 2020-21) which kick-starts on November 20. The league will be staged in Goa under strict health protocols with the matches being played in closed doors.
The major attraction for this season’s ISL is the inclusion of two Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal. Reigning champions ATK merged with I League winners Mohun Bagan to form a separate entity and will play in the league as ATK-Mohun Bagan. East Bengal on the other hand had managed to rope in Shree Cement Foundation as major stake holder and will take part in the ISL 2020-21 as Sporting Club East Bengal (SC East Bengal)
A total number of 11 clubs will participate in this edition of the ISL as they will be vying for the League Winners’ Shield. The Shield is the de-facto title for the Champion Club of India, and will grant the winners a prestigious entry to the coveted AFC Champions League 2022 group stage; just as last season’s League champions FC Goa earned a place in ACL 2021.
The 11 teams participating in the league are: ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, SC East Bengal.
All the matches will be shown live on the Star Sports Network (Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 regional versions etc) and Hotstar.