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Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Sunil Chhetri finds no place in new coach Khalid Jamil's list of 35 probables for CAFA Nations Cup
The newly appointed India football coach Khalid Jamil has left talisman striker Sunil Chhetri out of the 35 probables for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, which will be played in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. However, in the official release issued by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), no reason has been provided for leaving out Chhetri, who came out of international retirement earlier this year. Sunil Chhetri is missing from India's 35-probable list(HT_PRINT) Chhetri has played four matches for India in 2025 after coming out of retirement. It is unlikely that he has been dropped on the basis of form. The striker's club, Bengaluru FC, is yet to start pre-season training. It must be mentioned that earlier this year, Bengaluru FC suspended salaries for first-team players and staff, due to uncertainty surrounding the ISL's future. However, the list of 35 probables does include other Bengaluru FC players such as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders Chinglensana Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, and midfielder Suresh Singh. Speaking of Chhetri, he announced his international retirement after playing against Kuwait in June 2024. However, he returned to India colours for the match against Maldives after the then head coach Monolo Marquez requested that he come out of retirement and help the team in the Asian Cup qualifiers third round. Also Read: Sunil Chhetri and other Bengaluru FC players' salaries put on hold after ISL club takes 'difficult' decision Upon Chhetri's return, India drew against Bangladesh and lost to Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifiers, leaving the Blue Tigers in a difficult position to qualify for the showpiece continental event in 2027. Players begin training 22 Indian players have already reported to the camp in Bengaluru, and the training is underway. The remaining 13 players are expected to link up once their engagements with respective clubs in the Durand Cup are over. India are placed in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup. The Blue Tigers will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4. "The AIFF has urged all clubs to release national team players for this crucial assignment, which also prepares the squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore (away & home)," AIFF said in an official statement. The players who have reported to the camp so far are: Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari. Defenders: Akash Mishra, Alex Saji, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Sunil Benchamin. Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh Kumam. Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh.
News18
a day ago
- Sport
- News18
22 players reach senior India mens national team camp in Bengaluru
New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): Newly-appointed senior India men's national team head coach, Khalid Jamil, on Friday, announced 35 probables for the Blue Tigers' preparatory camp for the CAFA Nations Cup team will begin training in Bengaluru on August 16, with 22 players having reported to the camp so far, as per a press release from AIFF. The 13 other players are expected to join the national team camp after completing their Durand Cup 2025 engagements with their respective drafted into Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup, will travel to Hisor, Tajikistan, where they will face the hosts (August 29), IR Iran (September 1), and Afghanistan (September 4). The third-place match and the final will be played on September 8, in Hisor and Tashkent (Uzbekistan), following are the 22 players who have reported to the senior India men's national team camp so far: Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Akash Mishra, Alex Saji, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Sunil Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Coach: Khalid JamilThe AIFF has urged all clubs to release national team players for this crucial assignment, which also prepares the squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore (away & home). The following are the 13 players who are yet to join the camp: Mohun Bagan SG: Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Vishal Bengal FC: Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Albino FC: Manvir Singh, Jithin MS. (ANI)
Indian Express
a day ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
AIFF urges clubs to release players for Khalid Jamil's first national camp as coach
The All India Football Federation on Friday urged clubs to release players for Khalid Jamil's first national camp as coach in Bengaluru which started on August 15 and will go on till August 25. This camp is being organized for the Indian team's maiden participation in the CAFA Nations Cup where the Blue Tigers will face the likes of Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan. It'll also prepare the squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore. 'The Indian Senior Men's National Team, began camp from 15 to 25 August, 2025 in Bengaluru for their maiden participation in the CAFA Nations Cup. The AIFF appreciates cooperation of Jamshedpur FC for releasing Khalid Jamil despite an ongoing tournament – a gesture of National Interest,' the football body said in a statement. 'The AIFF urges all Clubs to release National Team players for this crucial assignment, which also prepares the squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore (away & home),' it added. 🚨 AIFF Statement on the Indian senior and U23 men's team camps in Bengaluru.#IndianFootball — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 15, 2025 AIFF also asked clubs to release players for India U-23 men's team as well with their camp already underway since August 1. 'The India U23 Men's National Team also began their camp in Bengaluru on August 1, 2025, which is vital for their preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers that will take place from September 3 to 9 in Qatar,' the statement read. 'The U23 India is scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur on 23rd August to play two friendly matches against U23 Iraq National Team. The AIFF requests cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure full player participation but the following 10 players have not yet reported to the U23 Men's National Team camp,' it added. The India footballing body also released the names of the players yet to turn up for the senior men's and U-23 camps. The senior men's team players yet to join camp were Mohun Bagan SG's Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad and Vishal Kaith, East Bengal's Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh and Mahesh Singh Naorem and Manvir Singh and Albino Gomes from Jamshedpur FC as well as Jithin MS from NorthEast United FC. In the U-23 list, the players who haven't joined are Jamshedpur FC's Mohammed Sanan K, Nikhil Barla, Mohun Bagan SG' Dippendu Biswas: Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Priyansh Dubey, Tekcham Abhishek Singh and North East United's Macarton Louis Nickson, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Huidrom Thoi Singh, Dipesh Chauhan
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
$50K bonus claim shows AIFF has no system, no clue: Bhutia
New Delhi: After India's 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia strongly criticised the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for reportedly offering players a USD 50,000 bonus had they won the game. Following a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening match, India desperately needed a win to stay in contention. However, their hopes were dashed by a stoppage-time penalty, leading to another disappointing result. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Bhutia called for AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey to step down 'to save Indian football' and questioned the logic behind such ad-hoc financial incentives. 'We've seen reports that players haven't even received their daily allowance of Rs 2,500. Indian footballers don't have central contracts like cricketers. They don't earn in lakhs or crores. Their compensation largely comes through daily allowances,' Bhutia said. 'Then suddenly, out of nowhere, there's a USD 50,000 prize announcement if they had won the game. Where did this come from? If they had won, would the same bonus be offered for the next four games? There's clearly no system, no strategy. Just random decisions with no clarity,' he said. In July 2023, India were ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings and had a promising year—winning the Intercontinental Cup, Tri-Nation Tournament, and SAFF Championship. However, Bhutia remarked that it's been 'one disaster after another' ever since. Following former coach Igor Stimac's turbulent exit and India's elimination from the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the team went winless throughout 2024. Their only victory came recently when veteran striker Sunil Chhetri came out of retirement to lead the side to a 3-0 win over the Maldives—India's first win in 489 days. As nations like Uzbekistan secure their maiden World Cup qualification, India now faces the grim prospect of missing out on the 2027 Asian Cup—a tournament they've consistently qualified for in recent years. Reflecting on the broader situation, Bhutia didn't mince words, 'It's been a terrible two and a half to three years under Kalyan Chaubey's leadership. On-field performances have been poor, and off-field management has been chaotic, riddled with controversies. It's time for him to step down—for the sake of Indian football.'
NDTV
11-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"No System, No Clue": India's Football Body Blasted After Hong Kong Humiliation
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed Bhaichung Bhutia criticised the AIFF after India's loss to Hong Kong in the qualifiers. Bhutia questioned the sudden announcement of a $50,000 bonus for winning the match. He highlighted that players often lack basic daily allowances and central contracts. After India's 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia strongly criticised the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for reportedly offering players a USD 50,000 bonus had they won the game. Following a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening match, India desperately needed a win to stay in contention. However, their hopes were dashed by a stoppage-time penalty, leading to another disappointing result. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Bhutia called for AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey to step down 'to save Indian football' and questioned the logic behind such ad-hoc financial incentives. "We've seen reports that players haven't even received their daily allowance of RS 2,500. Indian footballers don't have central contracts like cricketers. They don't earn in lakhs or crores. Their compensation largely comes through daily allowances," Bhutia said. "Then suddenly, out of nowhere, there's a USD 50,000 prize announcement if they had won the game. Where did this come from? If they had won, would the same bonus be offered for the next four games? There's clearly no system, no strategy. Just random decisions with no clarity," he said. In July 2023, India were ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings and had a promising year—winning the Intercontinental Cup, Tri-Nation Tournament, and SAFF Championship. However, Bhutia remarked that it's been 'one disaster after another' ever since. Following former coach Igor Stimac's turbulent exit and India's elimination from the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the team went winless throughout 2024. Their only victory came recently when veteran striker Sunil Chhetri came out of retirement to lead the side to a 3-0 win over the Maldives—India's first win in 489 days. As nations like Uzbekistan secure their maiden World Cup qualification, India now faces the grim prospect of missing out on the 2027 Asian Cup—a tournament they've consistently qualified for in recent years. Reflecting on the broader situation, Bhutia didn't mince words, 'It's been a terrible two and a half to three years under Kalyan Chaubey's leadership. On-field performances have been poor, and off-field management has been chaotic, riddled with controversies. It's time for him to step down—for the sake of Indian football.'
