NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has called on Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to release 13 players yet to join the ongoing senior national team camp in Bengaluru, ahead of India’s debut at the CAFA Nations Cup under new head coach Khalid Jamil.
Jamil, who was released by Jamshedpur FC “in the national interest,” will lead the Blue Tigers against hosts Tajikistan (Aug 29), Iran (Sept 1) and Afghanistan (Sept 4) in Group B. The tournament will serve as vital preparation for India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14.
The players yet to be released include:
Mohun Bagan SG: Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Vishal Kaith
East Bengal: Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Mahesh Singh Naorem
Jamshedpur FC: Manvir Singh, Albino Gomes
NorthEast United FC: Jithin MS
Meanwhile, the India U23 men’s side is also in camp for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Qatar (Sept 3–9). They will play two friendlies against Iraq U23 in Kuala Lumpur starting August 23.
However, 10 U23 players are also yet to report:
Jamshedpur FC: Mohammed Sanan K, Nikhil Barla
Mohun Bagan SG: Dippendu Biswas, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Priyansh Dubey, Tekcham Abhishek Singh
NorthEast United FC: Macarton Louis Nickson, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Huidrom Thoi Singh, Dipesh Chauhan
The AIFF has urged all stakeholders to ensure full participation to maximise preparation for the upcoming international fixtures.
