Kashmir ready to host matches

New Delhi, Nov. 12: Real Kashmir FC co-owner Sandeep Chattoo on Tuesday said he is confident of conducting his side's home matches of the upcoming I-League in Srinagar.

The abrogation of Article 370 and ensuing the communication lockdown in the valley had raised concerns over the visiting team’ security, but Chattoo said they are ready to go ahead with the home matches.

“We have unofficially been informed about our matches. We will be playing at home and 12th (December) is our first home game. You all are welcome,” Chattoo said on the sidelines of the unveiling of the team’s new jersey.

As the I-League entered its final stretch last season, teams such as Minerva Punjab FC and East Bengal refused to travel to Srinagar in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

Asked about the assurances from the concerned security agencies, he said they will expect the same guarantees clubs from other states get while hosting their home matches.

Be it at the dead of night or at the crack of dawn, the lone mobile phone that Real Kashmir FC’s coowner had provided his players would keep changing hands during the communication lockdown in the valley.

Chattoo got a phone activated with “special permission”, and it was the only means through which the players could get in touch with families, in India and abroad.

“Sometimes the phone would ring at 3 o’clock in the morning, calls would come from Zimbabwe, England and Nigeria,” Chattoo said.

In lighter vein, he said the snapping of phone lines and internet services worked for his team.

“I would like to believe that it helped us a lot because with internet they would waste a lot of time on net, spending too much time with their girlfriends. I am actually happy that all their concentration and energy were channelised towards our main goal,” he added.

We have unofficially been informed about our matches. We will be playing at home and 12th (December) is our first home game.

— SANDEEP CHATTOO Real Kashmir co-owner