Mohun Bagan Super Giant recall players from India squad ahead of Unity Cup

Players of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Inter Kashi FC in action during the Indian Super League (ISL) . (PTI Photo)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have called back all their players from the Indian national team ahead of the Unity Cup which will be played from May 26-May 30. The competition is set to feature Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Jamaica. Vishal Kaith, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Ashique Kuruniyan, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa , Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Suhail Ahmad Bhat are the eight MBSG players in the preliminary squad for the Unity Cup. TimesofIndia.com has understood that MBSG have raised objection with the fact that these matches are falling outside the FIFA window which makes them liable for any injuries to the players. With the insurance provider creating a concern, MBSG thought it was wise to call back their players instead. If a player gets injured during an international window, FIFA rules stipulate that the national federation will be responsible for the player's medical expenses and recovery. A source with the Kolkata giants reminded how injuries suffered by Subhasish Bose and Aashique Kuruniyan resulted in the club spending Rs 2.5 crore out of its own pocket for their salaries and rehab process. The source, however, didn't suggest why this concern was not raised earlier. The club did, however, clarify that they don't have a problem with the players joining the national team for the friendlies in June - when the FIFA international window kicks in. The issue had cropped in November last year as well. Then, too, the club had made clear that the players are free to join the national team but they would be doing so at their own behest. “Our objective has always been to ensure that fair and appropriate protections are in place for all parties including the player, the club, and the national team,” the club had said at the time in a statement. The Blue Tigers have assembled in Bengaluru for a camp. The revised squad will fly off to London on May 24 for the Unity Cup. India will play Jamaica in the second semi-final on May 27, while Nigeria take on Zimbabwe in the first semi-final at the same time. The two losing teams will play the third-place play-off on June 30 with the final between the winning teams also scheduled for the same day.