Srinagar, Nov 21: Jammu Kashmir Bank has reportedly refused to allow its players to play for ‘Real Kashmir FC’ in the upcoming I-League season.
Real Kashmir FC used to avail the services of some J&K Bank players during I-League Championship. They are the only Kashmiri footballers that have been regularly representing Kashmir and playing in I-League regularly
Players like Danish Farooq Bhat and Farhan Ganie both employees of J&K Bank have been the core of the football club that has got some of the top foreigners and Indian players in its squad.
Like every year, Real Kashmir that is set to kick start pre season preparations soon had requested Bank management to allow it’s players for the club.
However Bank board has not obliged this time, citing Banks own football commitments as the reason.
An official from the Real Kashmir said that the decision of the Bank has upset them and they were not expecting it. “If the Bank remains steadfast then we would have no alternative but to look for new talented players from Kashmir. To give representation to Kashmir in its playing squad we need to bring new players,” he said.
Pertinently, J&K Bank Football Club is known as top Football side in J&K and has some of the best available talent. It has got the talent that has the potential to shine at National level. Representing it’s own Kashmir based I-League side, Real Kashmir FC is one such opportunity for it’s players to make name for themselves and J&K.
A Bank official said that with Premier League J&K about to kickoff in J&K, the Bank side would be fielding it’s team as well. “They are potential favourites to lift the title and for that they may need services of these players.”
J&K Football Association has expressed its displeasure on the issue and said that players should have been released as playing in I-League level event is matter of pride for any Footballer. (KNT)