Kings offered to co-host IFA Shield

The reigning Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings have been offered to jointly host the IFA Shield football tournament by Indian Football Association (IFA) to mark the 125th edition of the century-old tournament by involving the participation of clubs across the border.

"Yesterday (Thursday), they (the game's governing body of West Bengal) handed over the letter in which they wished to hold the 125th edition of IFA Shield with the involvement of both Bangla," Kings president Imran Hasan told The Daily Star today.

The letter was signed by IFA general secretary Anirban Dutta.

"They want to stage it at the Kings Arena in Bangladesh, and told us that they want to hold the tournament with eight clubs – four clubs each from India and Bangladesh," Imrul further informed.

"However, we have asked for the details like time, tournament, format and more. We have taken the initiative positively and want to take the decision after receiving the details from them."

The IFA Shield, the third oldest football tournament in India, came into existence in 1893 and it was last held in 2021.