It is great to see the Durand Cup return after a one-year pandemic-hit hiatus. Every footballer of my generation will have fond memories of Durand Cup, Rovers Cup and IFA Shield, three glamorous tournaments that showcase the strength of Indian club teams. Not to forget the Santosh Trophy, which has now lost its sheen as the national (state) championship of India. Football has changed a lot in India. The game has now become a symbol of one-upmanship. Celebrities and ministers eyeing quick promotions, all want a piece of cake. If the current FIFA ranking (105) is any indication, Indian football has not progressed much.
Till the late 90s, quality tournaments were held in the football playing states of India. While Durand (Delhi), Rovers (Mumbai) and IFA Shield (Calcutta) were the major events, Stafford Cup (Bangalore), Sait Nagji and Nehru Cup (Kerala), Bandodkar Trophy (Goa), Bordoloi Trophy (Guwahati) and Nai Dunia ( Indore) were equally important. While the Durand and the IFA Shield have managed to survive, most of the others, including Delhi’s second biggest tournament, the DCM Trophy, have become extinct or have been reduced to less important local events. The passing of Rovers into oblivion is one of the saddest chapters in Indian football. Ironically, the Western India Football Association was one of the most organized bodies. All India Football Federation President Praful Patel also hails from Mumbai!
All India tournaments like Durand and Rovers gained immense popularity in football-loving areas. Durand has always been synonymous with Delhi. Fans of Chittaranjan Park, Old Delhi, Karol Bagh will throng Ambedkar Stadium. As the tournament will be run by the Army with passionate organizers, Durand will be a festive occasion. Shifting the Durand Cup to Calcutta has been harsh for the football lovers of Delhi. I do not accept the argument that Calcutta has a better football infrastructure and the ability to manage teams in a safe bio-bubble. All teams are equally vigilant about the pandemic and Delhi, which is back to normal, would love to stage the legacy tournament again.
Calcutta was my second ‘home’. My best footballing memories are of playing in East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting during my 10-year tenure from 1978. Calcutta football fans are passionate about their club teams. Average attendance at matches involving the big three was never less than 50,000 people. In Delhi, during Durand, the same enthusiasm will be felt: Bengalis from CR Park and Muslim fans from Old Delhi showed equal enthusiasm. The tournament always followed the Subroto Cup – an autumn bonanza.
Calcutta’s love for football is almost always centered around the big three. An I-League match between Salgaocar and Churchill at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in 1998–99 attracted barely 2,000 people. With Durand not having Mohun Bagan or East Bengal this time, I am not sure how many will come. On the other hand, Delhi always had good turnout. Ambedkar will be full when Calcutta legends play, people will come from NCR region and even Meerut and Punjab to watch teams like JCT play. I am sure the two teams Sudeva FC and Delhi FC in Durand this year would have preferred to play at ‘home’ and not in Calcutta.
From the early 70s to the late 90s, if a football player wanted to make a mark, being in Calcutta was a must. not anymore. Calcutta has lost its charm for various reasons and is no longer the ‘Mecca’ it used to be. Top clubs want success, rely on foreigners and want to attract sponsors. Calcutta is no longer a breeding ground for talented sportspersons. Today, they come from all over the country- Goa, Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu are all producing players. Northeast has been a talent pool and their ability to adjust to all situations has put them in a good position.
Durand Cup matches will not have spectators due to the pandemic. So, there will be no ‘real’ measure of what kind of attraction it creates in Calcutta. But Delhi has a reason to feel rejected because the beautiful sport is fueled by passion and not just the unity of business interests and politicians.
(It appeared in the print edition as “Calling an Off-Side”)
(As told to Soumitra Bose.)
Former international striker and India manager Shabbir Ali has participated in the Durand Cup as a player and head coach.
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