The Prestigious Tournament couldn't be held last year due to lack of sponsor interest as all top I-League clubs couldn't field competitive teams as most of their best players were engaged in Indian Super League.
The participating teams in this year's edition will be Aizawl FC, Neroca FC, Sporting Clube de Goa, Dempo SC, DSK Shivajians, Minerva AFC, Gangtok Himalayan SC, Kashmir FC and teams from Armed forces namely Army Red, Army Green, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
The format of the tournament will be League-cum-knock out. Teams will be divided in Two groups of 6 teams each. Group stage will be Round Robin followed by Top two teams from each group qualifying for the Semi-Finals. Winner of the Semi-Final will play the final to decide the winner of 128th Durand Cup.
Aizawl FC, Neroca FC, Minerva AFC and Gangtok Himalayan SC will be making their 1st appearance in this tournament. Dempo SC will be the only participating team that has won the tournament in the past, claiming the trophy in 2006 beating JCT Mills 1-0 in the final.
Another Goan club, Sporting Clube de Goa managed a final berth in 2005 but lost Army XI in penalties after the match ended with none of the team being able to score.
