The Durand Cup, which will be marking the start of the Indian domestic football season, begins on July 27. It will be held across four venues with ISL, I-League and other invitational teams competing in it. The final will be on August 31.

The 133rd edition of Asia’s oldest tournament will see 43 matches being played in a league-cum-knockout format. The opener, semi-finals and the final are scheduled to be held here at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The 24 participating teams will be divided into six groups. Eight teams, which include group toppers and the two best second-placed sides, will qualify for the knockout stage.

Like last year, international teams too are expected to participate, the organisers said on Tuesday.

Jamshedpur and Shillong have been added as host venues this year.

The matches will be held in Kokrajhar in Assam for the second consecutive year. Calcutta will be hosting three groups, while Kokrajhar, Shillong and Jamshedpur are slated to host one group each.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be defending their crown this year.

East Bengal were the runners-up last year.