Kerala Blasters FC are set to begin their 2026/27 Indian Super League (ISL) season against Inter Kashi FC on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at 5:00 PM IST. The match, which will take place in Pune, sees the Blasters enter the campaign with a revamped squad and renewed hope following a takeover by the Al Fursan Group, despite facing significant pre-season challenges.
Inter Kashi, their opening opponents, are expected to field an all-Indian line-up due to a transfer embargo and ongoing struggles to secure a home stadium, according to The Times of India and Onmanorama.
Kerala Blasters Under New Leadership Face Pre-Season Hurdles
The Kerala Blasters’ new season marks a fresh start after years of what Onmanorama described as chaotic management and consistently mediocre displays. The Al Fursan Group’s takeover aims to strengthen the club, which previously experienced player departures, underwhelming signings, and fan boycotts. Head coach Ashley Westwood, who oversaw a turnaround from the relegation zone last season, remains at the helm, tasked with building a consistent and competitive team.
However, the club’s preparations have been hampered by delays in finalising ownership formalities, leading to a pre-season training period of under two weeks without any friendly matches. The squad remains incomplete, with Westwood noting that the team is still awaiting two foreign players and a couple of staff members. Despite these limitations, Westwood expressed determination: “If we lose, I’m not going to start crying and saying we’ve not had enough time. That’s the hand we have. If you play poker and you get a pair of threes, you’ve got to deal with it. You’ve got to bluff your way through, and come up with a solution to win it.”
The Blasters have reinforced their squad with young Indian talents such as Ebindas Yesudasan, who extended his contract, and Mohammed Sanan, fresh from a stint with the Indian national team. European attacker Andre Green has also joined, bringing valuable experience. For their opening fixture, however, the team will be without defender Bikash Yumnam, who is sidelined for approximately a month due to a pulled calf muscle.
Inter Kashi Navigates Transfer Embargo Ahead of Opening Match
Inter Kashi FC enters the season facing significant operational challenges. Beyond the transfer embargo that restricts their squad composition, the club has also struggled to find a consistent home stadium, impacting their early league fixtures. As a result, they are expected to rely on an all-Indian line-up for their match against Kerala Blasters.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The Indian Super League 2026–27 season commenced on 10 October 2026, featuring 13 clubs competing for the title. Kerala Blasters FC’s opening match against Inter Kashi FC kicks off at 5:00 PM IST on 11 October in Pune. Football fans can watch the match live via streaming services YouTube and SonyLIV. Additionally, television coverage will be available on the Sony Sports Network, though viewers should confirm the specific channel for the fixture.
On the same day, Churchill Brothers SC Goa are scheduled to play Mumbai City FC. Following their opener against Inter Kashi, Kerala Blasters FC will face NorthEast United FC on 18 October, followed by their first home fixture against Mumbai City FC on 25 October, and then Chennaiyin FC. Midfielder Adrian Luna is expected to be a key player for the Blasters as they seek to establish momentum early in the season, according to Kerala TV.
