Ryan Williams named in India's 23-member squad for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers but may not play due to THIS reason

India’s head coach Khalid Jamil has announced the 23-member squad that will travel to Bangladesh for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. India will face Bangladesh in the Group C game on November 18. The team is set to arrive in Dhaka later in the evening.

The Indian team has been training in Bengaluru since November 6. One of the biggest talking points in the squad is the inclusion of former Australia player Ryan Williams. The Bengaluru FC striker, who recently switched allegiance to India after completing his eligibility process, has been named in Khalid’s list.

However, despite his selection, Williams may not feature in the match, and the reason is not related to form or fitness. Williams is still awaiting final clearance on his international transfer from Football Australia and subsequent approvals from FIFA and AFC, which are mandatory for him to officially represent India.

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“While forward Ryan Williams, who recently obtained an Indian passport, will travel to Bangladesh, his inclusion in the matchday squad is subject to the receipt of a No Objection Certificate from Football Australia and the subsequent approvals from FIFA and AFC,” AIFF said in a statement.

Until the NOC arrives, Khalid cannot field Williams, even though he will travel and train with the squad in Dhaka. Meanwhile, the match is of no significance to India after their loss to Singapore at home knocked them out of the AFC Asian Cup qualification race.

India’s 23-member squad for the trip to Bangladesh

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil.

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.

India’s match against Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at 7:30 PM IST at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Fans can watch the game live on the FanCode app and website.