Kerala Blasters confirm intent to play 'home' matches in Kozhikode

Kerala Blasters have confirmed their intention to play a few Indian Super League (ISL) matches in Kozhikode next season. Since their inception in 2014, the Blasters have played all their home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi.

However, the club has now sought permission from the league to have a second 'home' in Kerala. Abhik Chatterjee, CEO of Kerala Blasters, said the idea was to follow the path shown by Guwahati-based NorthEast United who played a few home matches in Shillong this season, to expand their regional support base.

"We have an intent for sure to explore Calicut, 100 per cent. If things align, you could see us playing a few games there next season," Abhik Chatterjee said in an interaction with the media in Kochi on April 3, 2025.

"This is not finalised yet because to want to do it and to get to do it, obviously infrastructure, from a league standpoint, a lot of improvements to get that window of games. All of these are obstacles we need to overcome," he said.

According to the management, the aim is to take the game "closer to the fans there" as the Blasters have a "sizable chunk of fans there". "It will be easier for them if we play some games there," Chatterjee said. The Blasters are reportedly unhappy with the Greater Cochin Development Authority that owns the Kochi stadium for the high rent it pays and due to the high maintenance of the 40,000-capacity venue.

"The idea would not be to make a complete transition," Chatterjee clarified. "We have spoken to the league as well. They're also open to the idea of exploring, within Kerala, a few other pockets." Kozhikode is home to Gokulam Kerala FC which plays in the I-League, the second division in Indian men's football structure.

Gokulam are aiming to become the second club from Kerala in the ISL by winning the I-League this season; they head into a thrilling final round this week and have a realistic chance of achieving the ISL dream.