Second div. league from today

The second Division League gets under way on Wednesday with century- old Kolkata legacy outfit Mohammedan Sporting Club playing host to Jamshedpur FC Reserves at the Barasat Stadium near Kolkata, followed by Langsning FC squaring off against Chennaiyin FC Reserves.

Eighteen teams are in the fray this year, a rise of 50% from last season’s 12, three of whom will make their debut in the form of TRAU FC from Imphal, Manipur, FC Kerala from Thrissur, Kerala and Madhya Bharat FC from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

In the preliminary phase, the teams have been divided into three groups of six. They will play on a home and away basis with the top two from each group qualifying for the six team final phase.

The winner of the final phase earns promotion to the top tier of Indian football.

Although the top two sides from the preliminary phase qualify for the final phase, the ISL Reserve sides will not qualify even if they finish in the top two and their place will go to the next best non- ISL team.

Said I- League chief executive Sunando Dhar, “Neroca FC’s success in the Hero I- League 2017- 18 should serve as an impetus for teams to shine. From 2nd division champs to 2nd in the top division”

The season will also see the advent of the reserve team concept.

For the first time, top teams from the Indian Super League will field reserve sides in the Hero I- League 2nd division. These teams will solely comprise of Indian players.

An added criterion is that apart from three players, the teams can have only U- 23 talent in the squad.

For the first time, top teams from the Indian Super League will field reserve sides in the Hero I- League 2nd division. These teams will solely comprise of Indian players.