As Mohammedan Sporting gears up for the 2025 Durand Cup, all eyes are on how the club will approach the prestigious tournament. With the competition set to commence on July 23, featuring a clash between East Bengal FC and South United FC in Kolkata, Mohammedan Sporting's strategy is under scrutiny, especially considering recent challenges.

Dipendu Biswas, the current manager of Mohammedan Sporting, is a name synonymous with Indian football. A former India international and a graduate of the Tata Football Academy, Biswas brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. He has previously expressed how the Durand Cup holds a special place in his career, recalling his participation in the tournament in 1995-96 with the Tata Football Academy, where his performance against Mohun Bagan proved to be a turning point.

However, Mohammedan Sporting's preparations for the Durand Cup 2025 have been marred by a recent transfer ban imposed by FIFA. This ban, resulting from the club's failure to pay dues to Argentine midfielder Alexis Nahuel Gomez, significantly restricts their ability to strengthen the squad. FIFA's letter, dated July 7, stated that the ban will remain active until the pending amount is cleared, potentially lasting for three consecutive registration periods. This is the second transfer ban the club has faced recently, compounding their challenges.

Despite these hurdles, Mohammedan Sporting has begun its domestic season, drawing 2-2 with Calcutta Police Club in the Calcutta Football League. It is expected that the team will largely retain its core squad for the Durand Cup. Mohammedan Sporting is scheduled to begin their Durand Cup campaign against Diamond Harbour Football Club on July 28 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.

In light of the FIFA ban, Mohammedan Sporting might rely on its existing squad and promote youth players. Historically, the Durand Cup has been a platform for discovering and nurturing young talent. Dipendu Biswas himself is a product of the tournament, which emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to young and upcoming players. This approach could align with the club's long-term vision, focusing on sustainable growth and development.

Looking back, Mohammedan Sporting has a rich history in the Durand Cup, with the club being the first civilian team to win the trophy. Biswas has stated the importance of the Durand Cup and that Mohammedan Sporting will be playing to win the trophy. In previous years, Mohammedan has had a good run in the Durand Cup, reaching the final in 2021 and the semi-finals in 2022.

While Dipendu Biswas has remained tight-lipped about specific strategies, the "secret weapon" for Mohammedan Sporting in the Durand Cup 2025 might be a combination of factors: leveraging the existing squad's chemistry, promoting promising youth players, and drawing inspiration from the club's historical connection with the tournament. Overcoming the FIFA transfer ban will require astute management and a focus on internal resources.