Srinagar, November 20: In a major decision that can turn into major debate in Kashmir football circles, J&K Bank has refused to allow its players to play for Real Kashmir FC in the upcoming I-League season.
Real Kashmir FC, which is only I-League club of J&K, has been utilising the services of some J&K Bank players during I-League campaign. They are the only only Kashmiri footballers that have been regularly representing Kashmir and playing in I League regularly.
Over the years players like Danish Farooq Bhat and Farhan Ganie both employees of J&K Bank have turned into face of Real Kashmir FC and are essential part of the team formation. They 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 categorically refused the request this time citing Banks it’s own football comittments as the reasons.
It came as a shock for the Real Kashmir FC who were expecting players to be released by the Bank keeping in mind the magnitude of the I-League where it’s players would be representing Kashmir and the Bank.
Real Kashmir FC has been left out to look for the alternatives in absence of these players. If they wouldn’t be part of the team Real Kashmir needs to include some new faces from Kashmir into its team as they have no other players who belong to Kashmir. To give representation to Kashmir in its playing XI they are in need to bring in new faces.
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. Not only will it’s name will make name of Real Kashmir FC proud, but they will also be making entire J&K as well as J&K Bank on the whole proud.
Of course playing for thier own department should be the priority but when it comes for better good, Bank should once again allow it’s players to be part of Club, that has been representing Kashmir at top level.
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.
With priority being Premier League, there is possibility and a window of opportunity that J&K Bank management may give permission to it’s players to join Real Kashmir FC later. By that these players would be able to serve, both it’s employers J&K Bank as well as the club Real Kashmir FC .
J&K Football Association has also 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.
They also said that they have no role to play in the said matter as it is between two private bodies. They only said that they can request Bank officials to allow it’s players for the I-League.
Meanwhile, a Bank official said that it is a decision taken by the board who wants it’s players available for it’s own team which will be playing in Premier League J&K.