Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) announced on Sunday, the inclusion of Kolkata giants East Bengal FC as the eleventh club in the league ahead of the 2020-21 season. The announcement means that the famous Kolkata derby between East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan FC is now set to take place in the Hero ISL.

OFFICIAL 📝

Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, FSDL, confirms the expansion of #HeroISL for the 2020-21 season!

Read 👇https:/t.co/Lxyn16ByFf

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 27, 2020

The decision to include East Bengal in the Hero ISL means that from the 2020-21 season, there will be 11 clubs fighting for the League Winners Shield and the Hero ISL trophy. It also means that there will be two clubs from the same city for the first time in Hero ISL history.

We know you have been waiting, and we have been waiting too.We are happy to announce that The East Bengal Club is playing in the #ISL. We thank all for the constant support and confidence that you rendered on us.We are all getting ready to beat the battle ground. #EastBengalInISL pic.twitter.com/5qxkc1Ua8r

— East Bengal FC (@eastbengalfc) September 27, 2020

East Bengal will now brace themselves for a new challenge in the Hero ISL, and their rivals were quick to congratulate the club on their entry to the league.

Welcome to the #HeroISL, @eastbengalfc 🤝 pic.twitter.com/fXXIrmxM5j

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) September 27, 2020

We'd like to welcome @eastbengalfc to the @IndSuperLeague. We look forward to seeing you on the field!#YennumYellow https:/t.co/1mpBSUB5Oj

— K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) September 27, 2020

Hyderabad FC welcomes @eastbengalfc to the @IndSuperLeague. We're looking forward to some exciting clashes! #HyderabadFC #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/AxmjQxUwTR

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) September 27, 2020

Welcome to the @IndSuperLeague, @eastbengalfc! Looking forward to both games against you ⚽🔥#AmaTeamAmaGame #OdishaFC https:/t.co/hTOj9lA5Ji

— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) September 27, 2020

Voice of Indian football, Anant Tyagi, welcomed the move, while Bengaluru FC's CEO Mandar Tamhane shared his views on the importance of the move.

EAST BENGAL IN @IndSuperLeague!
100+ years of history, legacy and now time to make new memories.
Super Sunday indeed 🙌🙌🙌

— Anant Tyagi (@anantyagi_) September 27, 2020

Good to finally have @eastbengalfc as part of the @IndSuperLeague fold. This will only augur well for Indian football. Extending the club a warm welcome and looking forward to renewing what was a fantastic and growing rivalry on the pitch.

— Mandar Tamhane (@MandarTamhane1) September 27, 2020

East Bengal have a very strong fan base, who are looking forward to supporting their team in the Hero ISL. Meanwhile, rival fanbases were also pleased with the Red and Gold Brigade’s inclusion.

And the wait is over ..

Here we come .. lets play now.

Game ON.

Joy East Bengal ❤💛@IndSuperLeague @IndianFootball @ebultras1920 @eastbengalfc @ILeagueOfficial pic.twitter.com/vSaXRfxiEJ

— Probashe East Bengal (@ProbasheEB) September 27, 2020

Gaur Army would like to welcome @atkmohunbaganfc and @eastbengalfc to the @IndSuperLeague 🤗#GOA and #KOLKATA have always had an intense rivalry in Football. We're looking forward to some great battles on the pitch 🔜 and in the Stands post this Pandemic 💪 #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/cEeoI7LVqJ

— gaurarmy (@gaurarmy) September 28, 2020

Welcome to the rumble @EBRPFC @ebultras1920
We are more than happy to offer the North and South blocks at Kalinga 💜

See you next year. #RasagollaDerby

— The Juggernauts (@JuggernautsOFC) September 27, 2020