Actually they will! AFC has manted all ISL clubs must play Durand Cup to achieve the mandatory 27 matches/season criteria from the upcoming season Why BFC, FC Goa, EB and ATK dont play their respective city/state leagues is baffling however, they should be forced to play somehow and not with their reserve side but main side.
I know for a fact EB will play CFL, IFA Shield, Durand Cup, ISL and Super Cup. Playing more matches would not improve standards by itself however. If that was so, we would have dominated Asia in the 90s when Bhaichungs and Vijayans were playing 40+ matches a season. End of the day, we have poor players and even poorer coaches at all levels.
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I know for a fact EB will play CFL, IFA Shield, Durand Cup, ISL and Super Cup. Playing more matches would not improve standards by itself however. If that was so, we would have dominated Asia in the 90s when Bhaichungs and Vijayans were playing 40+ matches a season. End of the day, we have poor players and even poorer coaches at all levels.