ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters will play their home matches in Kozhikode

Kerala Blasters will shift its home base from Kochi to Kozhikode this season. At least seven matches are likely to be played at the Corporation Stadium this year in the Indian Super League (ISL), which eventually kicks off on February 14, ending weeks of uncertainty.

The club has decided to leave its base in Kochi this season, mainly to save costs. Sources said the land in Kozhikode was much cheaper than the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, which was in any case not yet ready; A lot of work was needed on the ground for the planned international friendly against Argentina, which ultimately did not take place.

Here too, there is work to be done in the stadium, after the motorcycle races last month. But Kerala Blasters are hopeful that the ground will be back in shape in time for the ISL.

The club authorities were forced to look beyond Kochi due to financial constraints. With all the confusion surrounding the ISL, there was inevitably a decline in sponsorship income.

Besides Kozhikode, Manjeri was also considered. While the Payyanad stadium would have ensured almost full houses for all the matches – such is the craze for the beautiful match in Malappuram district – logistics would have been a concern for the visiting teams.

Kozhikode is also known for its love for football and the city was previously considered as a secondary location by Blasters. In the coming years too, even if the club returns to its base in Kochi, the city could host a few matches.

Published on January 20, 2026