The Hero Federation Cup will kick-off on April 30, 2016 with eight top teams from the Hero I-League being eligible to play in it.
Also read: Hero Federation Cup 2016 Schedule, Complete Time Table, Today's Match Timings
The top eight teams as per the standings of the Hero I-League (after completion of the Final round) will be playing in the knock-out format on a Home and Away basis including the semifinals with the Final match being slated to be played at a neutral venue.
As per the regulations of the Tournament, the lower ranked Teams are to play their home-match first. Round One is scheduled to be played on April 30 and May 1; while Round 2 will be played on May 3 and 4, 2016.
The first round of the semifinals is to be played on May 7 and May 8 with the return legs slated for May 14 and 15. The Final will be played on May 21.
The schedule of the Tournament is as follows:
Round 1 (April 30 and May 1, 2016)
No. 8 positioned Team vs No. 1 positioned Team (Match 1)
No. 7 positioned Team vs No. 2 positioned Team (Match 2)
No. 6 positioned Team vs No. 3 positioned Team (Match 3)
No. 5 positioned Team vs No. 4 positioned Team (Match 4)
Round 2 (May 3 and May 4, 2016)
No. 1 positioned Team vs No. 8 positioned Team (Match 5)
No. 2 positioned Team vs No. 7 positioned Team (Match 6)
No. 3 positioned Team vs No. 6 positioned Team (Match 7)
No. 4 positioned Team vs No. 5 positioned Team (Match 8)
Semifinal (Round 1 -- May 7 & 8, 2016)
Winners of Match 1 & 5 vs Winners of Match 4 & 8 (Match 9)
Winners of Match 2 & 6 vs Winners of Match 3 & 7 (Match 10)
Semifinal (Round 2 -- May 14 & 15, 2016)
Winners of Match 4 & 8 vs Winners of Match 1 & 5 (May 14)
Winners of Match 3 & 7 vs Winners of Match 2 & 6 (May 15)
Grand Finale: May 21, 2016.