Mumbay FC is poised to make its debut in the Durand Cup, with reports indicating that Tiger Shroff has been included in the squad for the 135th edition of the tournament. The actor has reportedly been training with the team and could potentially feature in the club’s final group-stage match. Mumbay FC, under the backing of entrepreneur Ali Ahmed, is scheduled to travel to Shillong on July 30 for its group-stage fixtures.
A source cited in a report mentioned that Tiger Shroff has registered with the team and is likely to appear in the final group-stage game. The club’s participation in the tournament marks its first entry into the elite competition, drawing significant attention within football circles in Asia.
Mumbay FC’s Journey to the Durand Cup
Mumbay FC was founded in 2024, with Tiger Shroff launching the club and continuing his association as its brand ambassador. Since its inception, the club has experienced a notable ascent in Indian football. It secured victory in the inaugural Maharashtra State Club League Championship and achieved a third-place finish in I-League 3 last season. This performance earned the club its maiden qualification for the Durand Cup.
The club’s rapid progress began after its founding in July 2024 by Ali Ahmed, alongside technical director Zoheb Khan. They quickly moved through local division circuits to achieve national promotion into I-League 3. The upcoming tournament will see Mumbay FC test its squad against high-level domestic competition.
For the Durand Cup, Mumbay FC has been placed in Group E. Their opponents in this stage will include Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh Sports & Cultural Club, and Langsning FC. All of Mumbay FC‘s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in Shillong.
Tiger Shroff’s Connection to Football and the Tournament’s Legacy
Tiger Shroff has maintained a long-standing passion for football, frequently engaging in training sessions with professional athletes and participating in local exhibition matches in Mumbai. His official link with Mumbay FC began in late 2024, where he took on a marquee role to promote grassroots football development across Maharashtra. He has previously made a brief appearance for the team during a local division fixture in past seasons and has expressed pride in the team’s swift progress, highlighting the talent in Mumbai that deserves platforms like the Durand Cup.
If Shroff takes to the field, he will join a growing list of Bollywood personalities who have become associated with Indian football. This trend follows the path of figures such as John Abraham, whose NorthEast United FC has become a prominent football club in the country.
The Durand Cup itself holds a significant place in football history. It is recognised as Asia’s oldest football tournament and ranks as the third-oldest football competition globally. The tournament was established in 1888 in Shimla by Sir Mortimer Durand. Initially conceived as a recreational event for British troops in India, it has evolved into a prestigious national competition.
Today, the tournament features clubs from various leagues, including the Indian Super League and the I-League, as well as teams from the armed forces. The current format of the Durand Cup involves teams being divided into groups for a round-robin stage, with the top-performing teams progressing to the knockout rounds before the final match.
Mumbay FC‘s journey to the Durand Cup, culminating in their group-stage fixtures in Shillong, marks a new chapter for the club.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter