Punjab FC have six points from two matches, going one step closer to qualification for the semi-finals.
The Super Cup champions will earn a spot in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League Two.
The ISL clubs will be joined by four I-League teams -- Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, Gokulam kerala FC and Rajasthan United.
In a letter written to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the clubs said that the crisis arising out of the non-renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the national federation and the ISL organisers FSDL has "paralysed professional football in India".
ISL organisers FSDL have put a "pause" on the league due to uncertainty over the renewal of Master Rights Agreement (MRA)
The Indian Super League on Friday announced that it has put the 2025-26 season "on hold" due to uncertainty surrounding the renewal of Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the event organisers and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
East Bengal maintained their newfound form with a 3-1 thumping of Punjab FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) match on Saturday.
East Bengal scored four unanswered goals in the second half to complete an incredible 4-2 victory against Punjab FC.
NorthEast United scored twice in the first 20 minutes of the game against Punjab FC.
FC Goa registered a 2-1 victory over Punjab FC on Wednesday in the Indian Super League marking their second consecutive win to climb to top-three in standings.
Goals from Ezequiel Vidal and Filip Mrzljak helped Punjab FC defeat Hyderabad FC 2-0 and make it three wins in a row for the side in the Indian Super League.
Bengaluru FC will face defending champions Mohun Bagan in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup after the two teams secured contrasting wins in their respective last-eight clashes on Friday.
Defending champions Mohun Bagan FC will take on Punjab FC as the quarterfinals for the ongoing edition of the Durand Cup were announced after a draw was held.
The 133rd edition of Asia's oldest and world's fifth oldest tournament will be played in four cities Kolkata, Kokrajhar in Assam, Shillong in Meghalaya and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.
Mohun Bagan and East Bengal faced off in the Durand Cup final last year, with the former winning their 17th title.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant kicked off their title defence with a 3-1 thrashing of Punjab FC in the Indian Super League in Kolkata on Saturday
Punjab FC were promoted to the top-tier ISL earlier this year, after fulfilling all criteria to get the Premier 1 license.
The Indian men's football team had won gold medals at the New Delhi 1951 and Jakarta 1962 Asian Games, while clinching a bronze at Bangkok 1970