Abahani Limited have withdrawn their participation from the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup 2019 citing lack of preparation and Indian League outfit Gokulam Kerala Football Club is expected to replace them in the eight-club tournament, kicking off in Chittagong Saturday.
Abahani, the six-time premier league winner, were pitted in Group B along with reigning Bangladesh Premier League champion Bashundhara Kings, I-League champion Chennai City FC and Malaysian outfit Terengganu FC during the draw.
“We have been lacking in preparation which is why we can’t participate in the tournament in Chittagong. We already informed it to the organizers,” informed Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu Thursday.
Maldives champion TC Sports, Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, Young Elephants FC from Laos and host Chittagong Abahani Limited were placed in Group A.
Holder TC Sports and Chittagong Abahani will face each other in the inaugural game.
