AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Clubs not ready to release players for long period

The AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers are set to start from September 6.

While the senior men’s national team has made it to the headlines for their heroics on the pitch, the Blue Colts have a big test coming their way in the form of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers to be held in PR China in September.

But, the AIFF are facing a problem because the majority of the ISL Clubs are not ready to release their young guns for more than a month for national duty. The clubs are reluctant to let go of their young superstars because of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season coming up at the same time as the qualifiers.

The All India Football Federation Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran released a list of 28 probables and informed all the clubs that the preparatory camp for the qualifiers will be held in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha from August 12 to September 3 before the team flies to PR China.

As per the Times of India, the players will only be able to rejoin their clubs on September 15 which is more than a month after being released and just one week before the ISL opener.

India’s matches at the qualifiers

India have been placed alongside Maldives, China and the UAE in Group G of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Blue Colts will begin their campaign on September 6 against Maldives before going up against China on September 9 and then UAE on September 12.

According to TOI, former Odisha FC assistant coach Clifford Miranda is expected to coach the team ahead of the qualifiers. It will be a huge test for Clifford and his boys because India have never qualified for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

India’s squad

The 28 probables list includes players from all 12 ISL clubs. 

Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Hrithik Tiwari, Prabhsukhan Gill, Arsh Anwer Shaikh 

Defenders: Narender Gahlot, Hormipam Ruivah, Bikash Yumnam, Halen Nongtdu, Sanjeev Stalin, Sumit Rathi

Midfielders: Thoiba Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jiteshwor Singh, Ayush Chhetri, Vibin Mohanan, Jitendra Singh, Brison Fernandes, Amarjit Singh, Sourav K

Forwards: Vikram Pratap Singh, Prathib Gogoi, Abdul Rabeeh, Rohit Danu, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Gurkirat Singh, Ayush Chhikara, Sivasakthi Narayanan and Suhail Bhat

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