11 Players Still Missing From Khalid Jamil's First India Camp, Here's Why

Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 18:27 IST

Khalid Jamil faces player shortages at India camp for CAFA Nations Cup, with clubs still holding back 11 key names.

India football head coach Khalid Jamil. (X)

Newly-appointed India men’s football head coach Khalid Jamil has been left with only 25 of the 35 players he has called for his first national camp ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.  India face co-host Tajikistan on August 29 in Hisor to kick off the tournament.

The camp began on August 16 with 22 players. Three additional players — Jamshedpur FC’s Manvir Singh and Albino Gomes and new addition Muhammed Uvais from Punjab FC — joined the camp on Monday to take the numbers to 25, but Uvais was not in the original 35. Hence, after five training sessions across almost a week, 11 players are yet to join it.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant did not release seven players — Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Vishal Kaith. They believe it was not mandatory to do so since the tournament doesn’t fall under the FIFA international window.

East Bengal lost their Durand Cup semifinal match on Wednesday but it is still not clear if and when their three players selected for the camp — Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh and Naorem Mahesh Singh — will join the camp.

NorthEast United have one player called up, Jithin MS, but the club has made it to the Durand Cup final to be played on Saturday. It needs to be seen how long after that he would be allowed to join the camp.

Jamil is said to be keeping a keen eye on the Durand Cup, hoping the remaining players will be made available by their respective clubs.

“My doors are always open to every player. Some players may not be in the squad right now because I want to try a few other less-tested ones, but rest assured, we will bring our best available squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers," Jamil said.

Meanwhile, there are four first-timers in the camp — defenders Uvais, Alex Saji, Sunil Benchamin, and forward Manvir Singh. Manvir, 24, said he has been waiting for this moment.

“I’ve waited six years to put on this jersey once again," he said in an All India Football Federation (AIFF) release.

The last time he was a part of the national team setup was back in 2019, when he represented the India U19s in the AFC U19 Championship (now Asian Cup) Qualifiers.

“As a striker in India, I know how difficult it is to get a chance. I got that during the Durand Cup and gave my best," said Manvir.

“Now I feel like I have another chance, and I cannot afford to miss it. I have played under the coach (Khalid Jamil), and he knows my capabilities. I’ve just promised myself that if he gives me a chance, I have to take it, I must repay his trust."

Army man Benchamin got his maiden national camp call-up at the age of 32. The last player from the Army to represent the Blue Tigers was forward Subir Sarkar 40 years ago.

Meanwhile, Uvais’ performance during the Durand Cup was enough to convince head coach Jamil.

“I think my performances with Punjab FC played a big role (in the call-up). It’s surreal to be called up to the national camp. Back home, everyone is proud," he said.

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First Published:

August 21, 2025, 18:27 IST

News sports 11 Players Still Missing From Khalid Jamil's First India Camp, Here's Why

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