Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Inter Kashi players in action during the Indian Super League (ISL). (PTI photo)
Mohun Bagan Super Giants have recalled all their players from the Indian national team ahead of the Unity Cup tournament to be held from May 26 to May 30. Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Jamaica are scheduled to participate in the competition.Vishal Keith, Abhishek Singh Teksham, Sahil Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Sohail Ahmed Bhatt are the seven MBSG players in the preliminary squad for the Unity Cup.
TimesofIndia.com has learned that MBSG has objected to the fact that these matches fall outside the FIFA window making it liable for any injuries to players. With the insurance company raising concerns, MBSG thought it wise to re-contact its players instead.If a player is injured during an international period, FIFA rules state that the national federation will be responsible for the player’s medical expenses and recovery.A source from the Kolkata Giants recalled how injuries to Subhasish Bose and Ashik Kurunian led to the club spending Rs 2.5 crore from its own pocket for their salaries and rehabilitation process.But the source did not explain why this concern had not been raised earlier.
However, the club has made it clear that it has no problem with players joining the national team for friendlies in June – when the FIFA international window begins.This issue came to light in November last year as well. Also at that time, the club made it clear that players were free to join the national team, but would do so at their request.“Our aim has always been to ensure fair and appropriate protection for all parties including the player, club and national team,” the club said at the time in a statement.The Blue Tigers gathered in Bengaluru to set up camp. The modified team will travel to London on May 24 to participate in the Federation Cup.India will play Jamaica in the second semi-final on May 27, while Nigeria will play Zimbabwe in the first semi-final at the same time. The two losing teams will play the third-place match on June 30, with the final match between the two winning teams being held on the same day.