Real Kashmir FC became first ever football club from State to qualify for the prestigious I-League after winning the second division I-League.

With infrastructure in terms of football grounds under renovation, Real Kashmir FC is mulling to shift base outside as it won’t be able to play its home I-League matches in Kashmir

Real Kashmir FC became first ever football club from State to qualify for the prestigious I-League after winning the second division I-League.

After their historic win on May 30, Real Kashmir started preparing for I-League home matches but to their surprise they found that infrastructure is not in place for these matches.

While Bakshi Stadium is under renovation, TRC Synthetic Turf lacks proper facilities for the event.

“Yes there is an offer on the table from three states. We are still weighing our options. The All India Football Federation is yet to take call but there is all likelihood they will declare TRC ground as unfit for hosting our home matches,” said a source in Real Kashmir FC management.

“The law and order situation in Kashmir is not that big issue at the moment. The main issue is infrastructure. The only available option which is TRC ground lacks proper dressing rooms, lighting, bathrooms and more importantly safety of players and spectators,” he added.

In I-League home matches are considered important as in the tie teams take full benefits of their home conditions. If Real Kashmir would be forced to shift their base outside state they will loss this edge.

Joint Secretary J&K State Sports Council said that infrastructure upgradation work will soon begin at Synthetic Turf TRC ground after the instructions of advisor to Governor.

“It is an honor to host I-League matches and we are working on making things ready. When Real Kashmir qualified and we got to know about infrastructural shortfalls, I along with my engineers went to take stock of situation. There is little time left and once proposal gets go ahead we will start work on war footing.”