Rahul Giri in Shillong
The rivalry between India and Bangladesh is already heating up in Shillong ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualifier opening game on March 25. Bangladesh have raised concerns over the condition of the practice ground provided to them, with head coach Javier Cabrera expressing his disappointment, calling the surface “sub-par”. As a result, the team opted for a light training session on Friday, a day after arriving in the Meghalaya capital.
According to sources from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Meghalaya Football Association, the hosts were only obligated to provide practice facilities to Bangladesh two days before the match. However, Bangladesh arrived four days early to acclimatise to Shillong’s weather. In the spirit of hospitality, the local organisers arranged the North East Hill University (NEHU) ground for their training, but the visitors were dissatisfied with the ground conditions.
On Saturday, instead of training at NEHU, Bangladesh shifted to the Shillong Lajong ground, an astroturf surface, following a last-minute request. While some media reports claimed Bangladesh had to pay to book the ground, the AIFF sources have dismissed the allegations, clarifying that no payments were made.
Adding to the controversy, Bangladeshi media outlets also reported issues with the floodlights at the Shillong Lajong Stadium during their training session. However, it was later confirmed that the lights simply took a few minutes to reach full brightness, after which the session continued without interruption.
Despite the surface concerns, the Shillong Lajong ground — where Bangladesh have trained again today — is the same venue where the local club hosts its I-League matches. While the astroturf might pose challenges for players, including Sheffield United (on loan from Leicester City) midfielder Hamza Choudhury, the local organisers have done their best within their means. The Bangladeshi media has hinted at an unfair advantage for India, as the hosts are training at the main stadium. However, such advantages are common for home teams in international football.
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India vs Bangladesh Rivalry Heats Up!
Bangladesh Raises Concerns Over Practice Ground Conditions Ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Opener in Shillong. @HamzaChoudhury1 starts training.
Is the Tension Already Building Off the Field?@Rahul_01Giri reports.
#INDBAN… pic.twitter.com/304WsCpxP7
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 23, 2025
On Sunday, Bangladesh held another training session at the Shillong Lajong ground while the main stadium pitch underwent maintenance. In line with the AFC regulations, both teams will have access to the main pitch for their final training sessions tomorrow.
While India have maintained focus on their preparations following a friendly against the Maldives, Bangladesh’s camp remains preoccupied with the ground conditions and perceived disadvantages. After today’s training, the Bangladeshi team manager commented on the issue, stating: “We came here knowing that we might face challenges like this. We’re trying to stay unaffected so that it doesn’t demotivate our players. Our focus remains on the game.”
Meanwhile, the Indian team, having arrived in Shillong on March 15, is more acclimatised to the city’s chilly evenings, with temperatures dropping significantly after sundown. In contrast to Bangladesh’s vocal concerns, the Indian squad has opted for closed-door training sessions, staying away from media attention, especially as over 30 journalists from Bangladesh are covering their team’s campaign.
With the goal of qualifying for their third consecutive AFC Asian Cup, India are determined to secure a strong start to their qualifiers. On the other hand, Bangladesh, buoyed by the presence of Hamza, will be eager to cause an upset in Shillong, a city situated near their home border.
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