Bengaluru offer to play friendly tie in Srinagar
Indian Super League (ISL) team Bengaluru FC on Tuesday offered to play an exhibition match against Real Kashmir in Srinagar to support the I-League debutants after defending champions Minerva Punjab FC refused to travel to the Valley for their I-League match citing security concerns in the wake of Pulwama terror attack.
Real Kashmir thanked Bengaluru FC and invited them in March for a friendly fixture, assuring them “the most electric football atmosphere” at the TRC Ground.
But prior to that, Bengaluru FC Reserves are scheduled to travel to Srinagar to play their second division I-League match against Lonestar Kashmir at noon on February 28, the same day East Bengal are to play their I-League match against Real Kashmir at the same TRC Ground.
Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal tweeted: “Dear @realkashmirfc we @bengalurufc are ready to come and play an exhibition match in Srinagar against youll whenever you invite us. We look forward to the opportunity of sharing this beautiful game in your beautiful state which is an integral part of our great country.”
There was an immediate response from Real Kashmir. “Thank you @ParthJindal11 and @bengalurufc. Let’s do this. We and the people of Kashmir would be more than glad to host you. March? What say? We promise the most electric football atmosphere! Let’s play to heal. Let’s pray together for the departed and share the grief of bereaved.”
During the 1996 cricket World Cup Australia had refused to travel to Sri Lanka citing security reasons and lost points.
To counter that the then BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya had sent a combined Indo-Pak team under skipper Mohammad Azharuddin to play an exhibition match at the Premadasa Stadium where Sachin Tendulkar, Wasim Akram, Mohammad Azharuddin, Saeed Anwar, Anil Kumble and Waqar Younis played in the same team.