India’s newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil has revealed his first 23-member squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025, set to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8. The announcement has sparked debate across Indian football circles, as no players from Indian Super League (ISL) champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant were included in the final list. The club declined to release its players, citing scheduling conflicts and injury concerns, as the tournament falls outside the official FIFA international window.
India, placed in Group B, will face hosts Tajikistan on August 29, defending champions Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. The top two teams from each group will advance to the play-offs on September 8, with the final scheduled in Tashkent.
🧭 Timeline of Squad Selection and Mohun Bagan Dispute
| Date | Event Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2025 | National camp begins in Bengaluru | 35 probables called up |
| August 15, 2025 | Final camp starts with 22 players | Durand Cup overlaps with camp |
| August 23, 2025 | Durand Cup concludes | Additional players join camp |
| August 25, 2025 | Final 23-member squad announced | Mohun Bagan players excluded |
Despite efforts by Jamil and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to negotiate with Mohun Bagan, the club stood firm, prioritizing its AFC Champions League 2 preparations and citing injury risks. Seven key players, including Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Deepak Tangri, and Ashish Rai, were withheld from the national camp.
📊 India’s Final Squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025
| Position | Players Selected |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari |
| Defenders | Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais |
| Midfielders | Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Boris Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh |
| Forwards | Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr.), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh |
| Head Coach | Khalid Jamil |
Veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu returns to the squad, while Sunil Chhetri remains absent. Jamil clarified that Chhetri’s exclusion was mutually discussed, with the coach opting to test a new mix of players for his first assignment.
🔍 Khalid Jamil’s Response to Mohun Bagan Absence
Jamil addressed the media with composure, stating:
“We will adjust with the players we have. I don’t feel there is any difficulty; we have good players in the squad. Whoever is available, we will give our best.”
He emphasized team spirit and mental strength as key pillars of his approach, adding that the camp’s atmosphere was positive despite the off-season and club-level tensions.
| Jamil’s Statement | Implication for Team Dynamics |
|---|---|
| “Whoever is available…” | Focus on adaptability |
| “No difficulty with current squad” | Confidence in selected players |
| “Players are mentally strong” | Emphasis on resilience |
| “Full support from AIFF” | Institutional backing |
Jamil’s leadership style, shaped by his successful stints with Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC, is expected to bring tactical discipline and emotional intelligence to the national setup.
🧠 Club vs Country Debate: Mohun Bagan’s Stand
Mohun Bagan’s refusal to release players has reignited the long-standing debate over club versus country priorities. The club cited the non-FIFA window status of the CAFA Cup and the risk of aggravating injuries sustained during national duty.
| Mohun Bagan’s Reasoning | AIFF’s Counterpoint |
|---|---|
| Tournament outside FIFA window | National duty should be prioritized |
| Injury concerns (e.g., Subhasish Bose) | AIFF denies mismanagement claims |
| AFC Champions League 2 prep | CAFA Cup is key for Asian Cup qualifiers |
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Vice-President N.A. Haris have called for a “mutual understanding” between clubs and the federation, stressing the importance of national representation.
📉 Impact on Team Composition and Strategy
The absence of Mohun Bagan players has forced Jamil to rely on a blend of youth and experience from other ISL clubs. East Bengal players Anwar Ali, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Jeakson Singh have stepped up, while Jithin MS joined after completing club commitments.
| Area Affected | Impact on Squad Depth |
|---|---|
| Midfield | Loss of Sahal, Thapa, Tangri |
| Attack | No Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh |
| Defense | Subhasish Bose missing |
| Leadership | No Chhetri, reliance on Sandesh Jhingan |
Despite the challenges, Jamil remains optimistic, viewing the tournament as a vital preparation ground for India’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore in October.
🧭 India’s CAFA Cup Fixtures and Format
| Match Date | Opponent | Venue (Tajikistan) |
|---|---|---|
| August 29, 2025 | Tajikistan | Hisor Stadium |
| September 1, 2025 | Iran | Hisor Stadium |
| September 4, 2025 | Afghanistan | Hisor Stadium |
| September 8, 2025 | Play-offs/final | Tashkent or Dushanbe |
India’s group includes defending champions Iran, making progression to the knockout stage a formidable challenge. The top two teams from each group will advance to the play-offs, with the final scheduled in Tashkent.
📌 Conclusion
Khalid Jamil’s first India squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 reflects both promise and pressure. While the absence of Mohun Bagan players has raised eyebrows, the coach’s pragmatic approach and belief in his squad offer hope for a strong showing in Central Asia.
As India prepares to face Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, the spotlight will be on Jamil’s tactical acumen and the resilience of a team built amid adversity. The CAFA Cup may not fall within the FIFA window, but for Indian football, it’s a window into the future.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 26, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or contractual advice.
