The Indian Super League 2025-26 Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC has been postponed, with the league confirming a revised date of May 17 for the high-voltage clash. The fixture was originally scheduled for May 5 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The decision has been taken due to the game's close proximity with the West Bengal Assembly Elections, which are scheduled to take place on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4, with the entire election process scheduled to be completed by May 6.
The original match date meant the clash would take place a day after the counting of votes on May 4, prompting local authorities to flag their inability to deploy adequate personnel for a high-attendance fixture. With policing resources stretched across the state for election duty, organisers opted to move the game to the final matchday of the season.
Both sides are firmly in contention for the ISL League Winners' Shield, in what is a truncated league season. Mohun Bagan are currently second in the standings with 13 points from six matches, one behind leaders Mumbai City FC.
East Bengal sit fourth with 11 points, after an impressive 7-0 win over local-rivals Mohammedan SC, their biggest victory in ISL history.
The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, commonly known as the Salt Lake Stadium, with kick-off set for 7:30 p.m Indian Standard Time.
The Kolkata Derby, or “Boro Match”, remains one of the oldest football rivalries globally, dating back to 1921. Beyond footballing stakes, it carries deep cultural resonance, historically reflecting the divide between Mohun Bagan's ‘Ghoti' base and East Bengal's ‘Bangal' roots.
With both teams in strong early-season form, the revised date sets up a potentially decisive final-day encounter in the race for the league title.
Where To Watch?
For the 2025-26 season, the ISL matches are broadcasted live on the Sony Sports Network, while FanCode holds digital rights. Fans can purchase a specific Match Pass just for the Derby or an ISL Season Pass to watch the game.
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