Read Bengali: কলকাতা লিগ নিয়ে কতটা আশাবাদী দীপেন্দু বিশ্বাস?

However, the momentum did not continue in the Super Cup, where Mohun Bagan failed to progress beyond the group stage. The focus then shifted to the Indian Super League (ISL). Although the team started the season positively, they later dropped crucial points in several important matches, including a setback against Mumbai City FC.

The single-leg format of the tournament made the title race even more competitive. Despite winning their final match after coming from behind, Mohun Bagan could not retain the ISL crown, as East Bengal FC secured the title on goal difference.

Now, the Mariners are looking to put last season behind them and focus on regaining their rhythm in the upcoming campaign.

Reserve Team Begins CFL Preparations

As part of that preparation, Mohun Bagan’s reserve side started training for the Calcutta Football League (CFL) from Wednesday evening. Several players caught attention during the opening session, including Raj Basfore, Tanmoy and defender Dipendu Biswas.

Dipendu, who did not receive many opportunities with the senior team during the previous ISL season, is expected to play an important role in the CFL campaign under coach Bastab Roy.

The Indian defender featured only in a handful of matches during the ISL, Durand Cup and Super Cup last season. However, the coaching staff reportedly has high expectations from him heading into the new campaign.

“We Want to Become CFL Champions”

After the team’s first training session, Dipendu Biswas expressed optimism about Mohun Bagan’s chances in the Calcutta Football League.

“We have not won the CFL title for many years. But we are hopeful that this time we will perform well and become champions,” he said while speaking to reporters.

The defender also highlighted the balance within the squad and stressed the importance of guiding younger players in the team.

“Our team has many good and experienced footballers. At the same time, there are a few juniors as well. We will try to motivate them,” Dipendu added.

Big Expectations From Young Players

Mohun Bagan’s management and coaching staff are expected to use the Calcutta Football League as a platform to evaluate young and fringe players ahead of the bigger domestic competitions later in the season.

For players like Dipendu Biswas, the CFL could prove to be a crucial opportunity to earn regular game time and push for a stronger role in the senior setup.

With preparations already underway, the Green-and-Maroon brigade will now look to end their long wait for another Calcutta Football League title and build momentum for the upcoming season.

বাংলায় পড়তে ক্লিক করুন: বুধবার থেকেই অনুশীলন শুরু করল বাগান, কী বললেন বাস্তব রায় ?

The CFL is set to begin later this month, and the Green-and-Maroon brigade will be aiming to end their long wait for the title. Mohun Bagan last won the competition in 2018. Despite producing strong performances in recent years and winning the Reliance Foundation Development League, the club has failed to add another major domestic trophy to its cabinet.

This season, the team has begun training under the guidance of coach Bastab Roy, with Nilanjan Guha serving as assistant coach.

Several Young Players Attend Training

A number of promising footballers were present during Wednesday’s training session, including Dipendu Biswas and returning defender Raj Basfore. Players like Roshan and Tanmoy also took part in the session as preparations officially got underway.

Speaking about the early start to training, Bastab Roy explained that beginning preparations in advance would help the squad gain valuable time before the competition begins.

“We started training early so that we can have more time in hand. The players who featured in the ISL finished their season on May 21, so they need some minimum rest. Everything has been communicated to them and they will gradually join the squad,” Roy said.

CFL Could Become Platform for ISL Players

Bastab Roy also spoke about the importance of the Kolkata League for players who did not receive regular game time in the Indian Super League.

“Those who did not play regularly in the ISL now have a platform to prove themselves here. By performing well, they can earn another opportunity to return to the ISL setup. This is beneficial for them,” he stated.

His comments indicate that the CFL could serve as an important development stage for young and fringe players looking to break into Mohun Bagan’s senior squad in the future.

Focus Currently on Fitness and Preparation

When asked about his new responsibility, Bastab Roy avoided discussing long-term expectations and instead emphasized the importance of preparing the players properly for the season ahead.

The Bengali coach made it clear that his immediate priority is to ensure that every player reaches full match fitness before competitive action begins.

With Mohun Bagan eager to regain domestic dominance, the early start to training reflects the club’s determination to build momentum before the new campaign officially kicks off.

বাংলায় পড়তে ক্লিক করুন : চেন্নাইয়িন থেকে সবুজ-মেরুনে ফিরতে চলেছেন এই ফুটবলার

The club also missed out on retaining the Indian Super League (ISL) title despite remaining in contention until the final stages of the season. Although Mohun Bagan secured victory in their last league match, East Bengal clinched the championship on goal difference.

With the new season approaching, the focus has now shifted towards rebuilding the squad and preparing for upcoming tournaments.

Mohun Bagan Youth Team Begins Preparations

The club’s youth squad is set to begin preparations for the upcoming Calcutta Football League (CFL) this week. At the same time, transfer-related developments have started attracting attention around the Maidan.

According to reports, Mohun Bagan are preparing to bring back one of their former young talents, defender Raj Basfore.

Return After Chennaiyin FC Spell

Raj Basfore joined Chennaiyin FC last season in search of greater opportunities. During his time with the southern club, the young Indian defender featured in major domestic competitions, including the ISL and the Super Cup.

Despite gaining valuable experience in Chennaiyin colours, Basfore is now reportedly set to return to Mohun Bagan.

The move is expected to strengthen the club’s defensive options, particularly within its developmental setup, while also providing the player with an opportunity to continue his growth in a familiar environment.

CFL and Durand Cup Opportunities Await

The upcoming Calcutta Football League could provide Basfore with a platform to re-establish himself within the Mohun Bagan system. Club observers believe he may also get opportunities in the Durand Cup, depending on squad requirements and his performances.

With Mohun Bagan aiming to bounce back strongly in the new season, the return of promising young players like Raj Basfore could play an important role in the club’s long-term plans.

All eyes will now be on how the defender performs if the move is officially completed and whether he can make a significant impact in the green-and-maroon jersey once again.

Read Bengali: বেঙ্গল অলিম্পিক নির্বাচনে চাপের অভিযোগ, বিস্ফোরক মমতার ভাই!

Speaking on the issue, Swapan Banerjee highlighted his long association with the organisation and said he had served in various key positions over the years.

“I have one thing to say. I was the Joint Secretary of the Bengal Olympic Association since 2012. In 2016, I became the Secretary of the Bengal Olympic Association. In 2020, I was elected President of the Bengal Olympic Association,” he said.

Allegations Against Aroop Biswas

Referring to the 2024 election, Banerjee alleged that former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas influenced the voting process.

According to him, “In the 2024 election, Aroop Biswas defeated me. He called the presidents and secretaries and told them that those who voted for Babun Banerjee would not receive any benefits.”

Banerjee claimed that this warning created fear among many office-bearers associated with the Bengal Olympic Association.

“Because of this, the secretaries and presidents became afraid. Despite that, I still received 24 votes in the 2024 election,” he added.

Questions Raised Over Election Process

The remarks have sparked fresh discussion within West Bengal’s sporting community regarding the functioning of sports bodies and election procedures.

Banerjee’s allegations suggest that external influence may have affected the voting environment, although he did not provide specific evidence to support his claims during the statement.

No Response Yet

As of now, neither Aroop Biswas nor the Bengal Olympic Association has issued an official response to the allegations.

The controversy comes at a time when transparency and governance in sports administration continue to remain key issues across various sporting bodies in India.

Any further response from the concerned parties is likely to attract significant attention from both the sports fraternity and political observers in West Bengal.

Read Bengali: ISL অন্ধকারে! অনিশ্চিত ১৫০ ফুটবলারের ভবিষ্যৎ

Among them are more than 20 players who currently represent or have recently represented the Indian national team. With no clarity on the structure or timeline of the upcoming season, many of these players are now facing an uncertain future.

Contract Expiries Add to Concerns

A large number of player contracts expired on Sunday. Under normal circumstances, clubs and players would already be negotiating renewals or new deals before the start of a new campaign. However, this year the situation is far from normal.

Ongoing disagreements between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL clubs have created uncertainty over how the next season will be conducted. As a result, clubs have been reluctant to finalize squad plans, leaving many players in limbo.

Fallout from Expired Master Rights Agreement

The 2025-26 season itself was conducted under unusual circumstances after the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and its former commercial partners. Instead of the traditional full home-and-away format, the league was shortened and featured 14 teams in a revised structure.

With the season now over, many players have officially become free agents, meaning they are free to negotiate and sign with any club. AIFF has set the player registration window from June 12 to August 31.

National Team Stars Also Affected

Several high-profile Indian footballers are among those whose contracts have expired. These include India captain Sandesh Jhingan and experienced defender Rahul Bheke, both of whom have been key figures for the national team over the years.

A number of other established ISL players are also facing similar uncertainty as clubs delay recruitment decisions.

Mohun Bagan Awaiting Clarity

ISL giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant are reportedly seeking clarity from AIFF regarding the format of the upcoming season. Club officials want to know whether the competition will return to a full-length format or continue in a shortened version.

The answer will play a major role in determining the club’s budget, transfer strategy and squad planning.

Mohun Bagan are also expected to part ways with several foreign players, including Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings, signaling significant changes ahead.

Players Could Be the Biggest Losers

Football experts believe players may suffer the most from the current uncertainty. As free agents, many footballers could find themselves in a weaker negotiating position than usual.

In a stable market, strong performances often help players secure improved contracts and higher salaries. However, with clubs unsure about budgets and league commitments, teams are likely to offer lower-value deals, reducing players’ bargaining power.

AIFF and Clubs Yet to Reach Agreement

The core issue remains disagreements over the league’s future commercial structure. ISL clubs want greater control over the league’s financial interests, while AIFF is keen to maintain its own stake and authority.

Although club representatives and AIFF officials met in Kolkata last month, the discussions failed to produce a breakthrough.

A recent Special General Meeting decided that AIFF’s Executive Committee would continue discussions regarding a new Master Rights Agreement. Only after approval from the federation’s General Body will a final decision be taken on the league’s commercial partner and future structure.

Until then, the future of India’s premier football league and the careers of more than 150 footballers remain clouded by uncertainty.

Read Bengali: IPL 2026: আইপিএলে দাপট আরসিবির, ঘরের মাঠে ১৮ রানে হার মুম্বাই

Batting first after being asked to set a total, RCB posted a massive 240/4 in 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive knocks from Phil Salt (78 off 36 balls), Virat Kohli (50), and skipper Rajat Patidar, who blasted 53 off just 20 deliveries. Tim David provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 34 as RCB crossed the 240-mark.

In reply, MI started with intent but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav got decent starts, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 40. However, the real fight came from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 71 and kept the chase alive till the very end.

Despite a late flourish, the asking rate kept climbing, and RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. MI finished at 222/5, falling 18 runs short in what turned out to be a record-breaking high-scoring encounter (total aggregate 462 runs).

This victory highlighted RCB’s strong batting depth and composure under pressure. For MI, it’s another disappointing result as they continue to search for consistency in the season.

The hosts looked in early trouble when Dani Ramirez gave Punjab the lead in the 13th minute. But Jamie Maclaren responded brilliantly before the half-hour mark, levelling the scores at 1-1 going into the break.

Read Bengali: কামিন্সের শেষ মুহূর্তের গোলে কামব্যাক, পাঞ্জাবকে হারাল বাগান

After the restart, Punjab struck again in the 60th minute through a stunning volley from Nsungusi Effiong, putting the visitors 2-1 ahead.

Just when it seemed Mohun Bagan were staring at defeat, substitute Sahal Abdul Samad produced pure magic in the 74th minute. From nearly 30 yards out, he unleashed a rocket that looped over the defence and dipped into the net — a genuine goal-of-the-season contender that made it 2-2.

The drama wasn’t over. Deep into stoppage time (90+1′), Jason Cummings stepped up for a free-kick and delivered a superb set-piece that sailed past everyone and found the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

It was a classic comeback win built on resilience and quality finishing when it mattered most. Mohun Bagan showed real fight and character in front of their passionate Kolkata crowd.

Read Bengali: IPL: দিল্লির বিরুদ্ধে মরসুমের প্রথম জয় চেন্নাইয়ের, ফর্মে ফিরলেন সঞ্জু স্যামসন

Opting to bat first, CSK got off to a slow start with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for timing (15 off 18). But Samson took charge, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout and finding the perfect partner in young Ayush Mhatre, who chipped in with a fluent 59. The duo added 113 runs for the second wicket. In the end, Shivam Dube came in as a finisher (20 off 10) after Mhatre was retired out, helping push the total past 210.

In reply, Delhi Capitals began brightly with Pathum Nissanka racing to 41 off 24, but CSK’s pace attack soon took control. Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and debutant Gurjapneet Singh each picked up key top-order wickets. Gurjapneet made an instant impact, dismissing DC captain Axar Patel with his very first ball in IPL.

The middle overs belonged to Jamie Overton, whose fiery spell of 4/18 choked the life out of DC’s chase. Tristan Stubbs fought hard with a valiant 60 off 38, and a brief partnership with Ashutosh Sharma kept hopes alive, but once Noor Ahmad broke that stand, the innings crumbled. Overton had the final say in a heated 19th over, dismissing a frustrated Stubbs.

Kamboj (3/35) wrapped up the tail efficiently as DC were bowled out for 189 in the final over.

It was a much-needed boost for the five-time champions, who had endured a slow start to the season. Samson’s explosive knock, combined with smart bowling variations on a tricky Chepauk surface, proved decisive.

Read Bengali: PBKS vs SRH: পাঞ্জাবের আক্রমণে জলে গেল হায়দ্রাবাদের পরিশ্রম

Chasing a stiff target of 220, PBKS got off to a flying start with Priyansh Arya (57 off 20) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25) blasting a sensational 99-run opening stand. The duo tore into the SRH attack during the powerplay, reaching 93 without loss and setting the perfect platform.

Abhishek Sharma had earlier lit up the game with a brutal 74 off 28 balls (including eight sixes), adding 120 runs with Travis Head (38 off 23) in just 8.1 overs to power SRH to 219/6. However, Shashank Singh’s double strike in one over shifted the momentum, and Xavier Bartlett kept things tight at the death with a brilliant final over.

In the chase, Priyansh raced to a 16-ball fifty with some clean hitting, while Prabhsimran danced down the track to smack big sixes. Though Shivang Kumar picked three wickets to raise SRH’s hopes, Shreyas Iyer stayed calm and finished the job in style with seven balls to spare.

The win was built on smart captaincy too — Shreyas cleverly used Shashank Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal to break the explosive SRH opening stand when the pacers were being hammered.

A complete team performance, led from the front by their skipper!

The young Rajasthan Royals sensation was absolutely unstoppable, smashing a breathtaking 78 off just 26 balls to help his team chase down 203 with ease and secure a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. His fiery innings, packed with eight fours and seven sixes, not only powered RR to a comfortable win but also earned him the coveted Orange Cap for the tournament.

Read Bengali : আইপিএলের বিস্ময় বালক বৈভব সূর্যবংশী

Virat Kohli, who witnessed the youngster’s carnage up close, made sure to show some love after the match. Sooryavanshi approached Kohli for an autograph, and the RCB star happily signed his Rajasthan Royals cap with a personal message: “Dear Vaibhav, well done.”

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag also had nothing but praise for the teenager, describing him as a bundle of joy that everyone in the team adores.

“Everyone loves him. Everyone loves having him around,” Parag said during the post-match presentation. “He’s a fun-loving kid who enjoys eating out and doing all the typical 15-16-year-old stuff. As long as he keeps batting like this, we make sure he gets whatever he wants!”

With 200 runs in just four matches, including this match-winning 78, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the IPL.