Afghanistan club De Spin Ghar Bazan have withdrawn their name from the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup yesterday, just a day after the grouping and fixtures were revealed.
The Afghan champions, a team that were formed three years ago through the inauguration of the Afghan Premier League, shocked the organisers with their sudden decision of not participating in the eight-club competition yesterday morning.
“They did not tell us anything about their chances of pulling out till yesterday (Monday) rather they wanted confirmation for the tickets. They did not even hint anything after we let them know about the draw and fixtures,” said Tarafder Ruhul Amin, chairman of the football committee of Chittagong Abahani.
“But today (Tuesday) morning, all of a sudden, they told us they will not participate in the tournament. We wanted to know the reason, but they did not give any,” added Ruhul Amin. He continued, “The tournament committee will sit in a meeting tomorrow (today) and take a decision.”
The Kabul-based club were pitted in Group A alongside Dhaka powerhouse Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata's Mohammedan SC and Sri Lanka Football Premier League champions Solid FC. The 10-day long international tournament is scheduled to kick-off on October 20 with all the matches to be held at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong.
