The playoff dates for the 2022/23 ISL season have been confirmed with the matches starting next month. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. Teams finishing third to sixth will feature in a single-leg play-off to determine the other two semi-finalists. The change in format with the top six teams involved in the playoffs battle this season promises to be an exhilarating contest. This is a shift from only the top four teams being allowed to compete from the previous seasons.
League leaders Mumbai City FC and ISL trophy holders Hyderabad FC have already qualified by cementing the top two standings of the league while Kerala Blasters, ATK Mohun Bagan, FC Goa, Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC are battling for the remaining four slots. It is an intense fight between the sides with just a point separating the last playoff places. With only three games remaining in the normal league phase, it is left to see who finally makes the slots.
The playoffs will kick off on 3rd March 2023 beginning with the single-leg-playoff games. The double-legged semifinals start from 7th March 2023 to 13th March 2023. The final is scheduled to be held on 18th March although the venue is yet to be decided.
Friday, 3 March 2023
Knockout 1: Team 4 vs Team 5
Saturday, 4 March 2023
Knockout 2: Team 3 vs Team 6
Tuesday, 7 March 2023
Semi-final 1 – 1st leg: Team 1 vs Winner of Knockout 1
Thursday, 9 March 2023
Semi-final 2 – 1st leg: Team 2 vs Winner of Knockout 2
Sunday, 12 March 2023
Semi-final 1 – 2nd leg: Winner of Knockout 1 vs Team 1
Monday, 13 March 2023
Semi-final 2 – 2nd leg: Winner of Knockout 2 vs Team 2
Also Read | Indian Football Calendar for the year 2023
