Note: This article was published in 2023 and has been updated with the latest rules of the ISL Fantasy game in 2024.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is just around the corner and head coaches have begun plotting strategies, deciding the best playing eleven and systems. However, it won’t just be head coaches of the 13 clubs that will have to do the thinking. The fans have been afforded a chance to put their thinking caps on and try their wits at building the perfect team with the return of ISL Fantasy.

The ISL Fantasy game that was revamped revamped last season, promises to be bigger and better this year with a few key tweaks. Whether you have played different versions of the football fantasy game in the past or are a complete newbie, here’s your one-stop guide to ISL Fantasy. 

Building a squad with a budget

Upon signing up, fantasy managers will be provided with a budget of 100 Cr and will have to pick a squad of 15 players within that budget. The squad will consist of two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards. Managers will be allowed to select no more than three players from a single club.

Select your playing XI & Captain 

Managers will have to field their best 11 players from the squad ahead of the deadline before each Matchweek. All points for the Matchweek will be scored by these 11 players. 

Managers are free to choose any formation as long as it consists of one goalkeeper, a minimum of three defenders, two midfielders and one forward. The remaining four players, including one goalkeeper and three outfield players will drop to the bench and will have to be set in order of priority in case a player from their starting XI does not feature in the game. 

Managers must also select a captain and a vice-captain ahead of each matchweek. The captain's score is doubled, but if the player with the armband does not feature in the Matchweek, the vice-captain will have to step up for the former.

Transfers

After the completion of Matchweek one, managers will be free to make a total of one free transfer every Matchweek. This transfer cannot be carried forward into the next Matchweek and for any more additional transfers, -4 points will be deducted from the overall score.

Points allocation 

Managers can rack up more fantasy points owning players who can chip in with goals, assists, plenty of saves and clean sheets. On the other hand, managers can lose points if their player misses a penalty, picks up a booking and even scores an own goal. -1 point will be deducted from defenders and midfielders if they concede two goals.   

Here’s more information about how fantasy players are awarded points 

Action	Points
For playing up to 60 minutes	1
For playing 60 minutes or more (excluding injury time)	2
For each goal scored by a goalkeeper or defender	6
For each goal scored by a midfielder	5
For each goal scored by a forward	4
For each goal assist	3
For a clean sheet by a goalkeeper or defender (For 60 minutes or more excluding injury time)	4
For a clean sheet by a midfielder (For 60 minutes or more excluding regulation time)	1
For every 3 shots saved by a goalkeeper	1
For each penalty save	5
For every 15 successful passes	1
For every 2 interceptions	1
For each penalty miss	-2
For every 2 goals conceded by a goalkeeper or defender	-1
For each yellow card	-1
For each red card	-3
For each own goal	-2

Point boosters 

Managers will be handed a total of five-point boosters, which could boost their overall points tally.

We look at each of them:

Bench Boost: The points scored by players on the bench will be included in the Matchweek points total. It can be used only once during the season and cannot be cancelled once played. 

Triple Captain: The captain's points will be tripled instead of doubled in the given Matchweek. It can be used only once during the season and cannot be cancelled once played. 

Wildcard: The booster allows you to completely change your squad without the fear of losing points for more than one transfer. It is available twice during the season and managers can make unlimited transfers. 

Free hit: Managers can overhaul their squad for one Matchweek before it reverts to the previous squad. It can be used only once during the season and cannot be cancelled once played. 

Leagues 

After registering their squad, managers can create or join leagues to challenge their friends, colleagues, families and others.

Here are the different types of leagues: 

ISL league - This league will feature all the registered participants in India.

Club league - This league will feature all the registered participants based on their favourite ISL club, which needs to be mentioned while signing up for the game. 

Private league - This league allows managers to compete with friends, close ones or even strangers. All managers need to do is create a league and send the code to their respective fantasy managers who they want to compete against.