New Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil has a tough task at hand. Jamil takes the lead with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and FSDL at Loggerheads, which puts the Indian Super League (ISL) on hold.
For his first assignment – the Cafa Nations Cup 2025 – Jamil will also have to do without players from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who has refused to release his players for international service.
Slot in Group ‘B’, India stands for Tajikistan (29 August), Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (4 September) in Hisar (Tajikistan).
Jamil set a brave face here on Monday during a press conference, when asked if Bagan players would be missed.
«We will adjust with the players we have. We have to accept this as a challenge. I don’t have the feeling that there are problems; we have good players in the team,» said Jamil.
The press conference was also attended by Aiff president Kalyan Chaubey and vice-president after Haris.
Haris explained that the AIFF and clubs should strive to achieve a «mutual understanding» when it comes to releasing players for India obligation.
Sunil Chhetri was not mentioned in the team for the Cafa Nations Cup, but Jamil stated that the door is open for the return of the star.
The press conference was also attended by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey (right) and vice-president after Haris. | Photocredit: K. Murali Kumar/The Hindu
The press conference was also attended by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey (right) and vice-president after Haris. | Photocredit: K. Murali Kumar/The Hindu
«After these competitions, Sunil will usually be available for India Duty. I spoke to him. When he is fit, he is very welcome,» Jamil said.
In the meantime, Chaubey admitted that the suspension of the ISL has influenced the livelihood of all stakeholders.
«The current situation has had a direct effect on the livelihood of football players. They are not only players, but there are also thousands of support staff whose profession related to football. The AIFF is in continuous communication with all the stakeholders to ensure that living is not struck. We will all come together to find a solution,» said Chaubey.
Related: Gurpreet mentioned in Khalid Jamil’s India Squad for Cafa Nations Cup 2025
After the Cafa Nations Cup, India plays two AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification data against Singapore in the FIFA window of October. Haris expressed his disappointment about Bengaluru who lost these trips.
«The Sree Kanteerava Stadium is used for all sports, including athletics. When a football match is planned, we need time to keep the stadium in good condition,» said the president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA).
«These competitions are suddenly assigned to us. We are very sad that the competitions go somewhere else, but it is not under our control.»
Haris added that the KSFA will soon have «a very good stadium in Bengaluru».
Published on August 25, 2025
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