ISL | Kerala Blasters set to play at Kozhikode this season

Kerala Blasters is set to play its home matches here this season. It is likely to play at least seven matches at the Corporation Stadium in this year’s ISL, which is finally scheduled to kick off on February 14, ending weeks of uncertainty.

The club has decided to move away from its base in Kochi for this season to cut costs primarily. Sources said the ground at Kozhikode came much cheaper than Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which in any case was not ready; much work had been required at the ground for the scheduled international friendly featuring Argentina, which eventually did not take place.

There is work to be done at the stadium here too, following the conduct of motorcycle racing last month. But Blasters is hopeful that the ground will be back in shape in time for the ISL.

The club authorities were forced to look beyond Kochi because of financial constraints. With all the confusion about the ISL, there was bound to be a drop in the revenue from sponsors.

Apart from Kozhikode, Manjeri was also considered. Though the stadium at Payyanad would have almost ensured full houses for all matches — such is the craze for the beautiful game in Malappuram district — logistics would have been a concern for the visiting teams.

Kozhikode is also known for its love of football and the city had been considered as a second venue by Blasters earlier. In the coming years too, even if the club returns to its base in Kochi, the city could get to host a few matches.