Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s new signing Anwar Ali said it was his dream to play in Calcutta.

“Every player has a dream to play in Calcutta. Since childhood I always wanted to play here,” Ali said in a club statement on Sunday.

“Mohun Bagan have a lot of history and heritage. I’m really excited to don the green and maroon jersey. I’m flooded with messages from Bagan supporters after the news trickled in. It will be a big inspiration and motivation to give my best,” the India defender added.

The left-footed centre-back would be a big boost for Bagan who already have defenders like Australian Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Pritam Kotal and Asish Rai in their ranks.

“I still have a lot to learn, and have age on my side. With a team full of stars, I’m ready to use this opportunity. It’s a challenge to fit into coach Juan Ferrando's scheme of things,” Ali, 22, said.

Ali, who turned out for FC Goa on loan from Delhi FC last season, said he wants to win his maiden ISL title with defending champions.

“I’m yet to win the ISL. Hopefully, I will be able to fulfil my dream with Mohun Bagan. I’m also looking forward to win the Derby and do well in the upcoming AFC Cup.”

India's under-17 World Cup player was diagnosed with rare heart disease in 2019 but made a comeback two years later.

ISL set for ‘home’ feel

Calcutta: Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s premier football league, will be telecast on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema. Star Sports Network has been the broadcaster since the inaugural edition of the ISL in 2014.

Even though Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which organises the league, is tight-lipped about who would be the broadcaster from ISL 2023-24, sources said Viacom18, the entertainment network and FSDL are from the Reliance stable have already engaged agencies to shoot promotional videos.

From this year, with the inclusion of I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab FC, 12 teams will vie for top honours. ATK Mohun Bagan, now Mohun Bagan Super Giant, won the ISL IX defeating Bengaluru FC in March this year.

The 10th edition is expected to start from the third week of September with a break for India’s Asian Cup preparations.

The duration of the preparatory camp before the Asian Cup to be held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 has still not been decided.

Coach Igor Stimac and captain Sunil Chhetri have advocated for longer camps. If that is granted then ISL may take a break from early December.

ISL has had a March finish since the previous broadcaster had to keep its money-spinning IPL in mind.

The fixtures of the 10th edition have not been announced and it remains to be seen if it would be dragged till April.

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT