Minerva Punjab to Get Maximum Security for Srinagar I-League Match

Minerva’s clash with Real Kashmir, originally scheduled for 18 Feb, was postponed in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Real Kashmir boss Sandeep Chattoo has allayed Minerva Punjab’s securiy concerns, saying the visitors will be provided armoured vehicles for travelling purposes during their I-League rematch in Srinagar.

While a date for the rematch is yet to be finalised, Minerva Punjab owner Ranjit Bajaj said it would be prudent to organise the same as soon as possible to avoid confusion, given that the Super Cup Qualifiers begin from Friday, 15 March.

“When get the clearance from the authorities there should not be any problem. The team will be taken care of well and provided armoured vehicles to travel from the hotel to stadium and back. That’s how it has always been here. We are absolutely ready to host them.”

Sandeep Chattoo, Real Kashmir co-owner

Chattoo added: “If we get the go ahead in a day or two, we presume the match could be held around 20 March.”

The game, scheduled to be held on 18 February, did not take place after Punjab refused to travel to Srinagar in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack on 14 February.

Chattoo said he was “very optimistic” about getting a security clearance from the concerned authorities in a day or two.

“Ideally, the match should have taken place by now. It should be held as soon as possible as the Super Cup is also starting soon. We are always ready to play in Srinagar provided we are given security assurances.”

Ranjit Bajaj, Minerva Punjab owner

Real Kashmir had turned up for the game last month, saying that all security arrangements were in place, and demanded that the three points be awarded to them after Minerva’s no-show.

Minerva – the 2017/18 I-League champions – went on to argue that their pullout could not be considered a forfeiture since it was on security grounds, before taking the matter to the Delhi High Court.

The court asked former champions Minerva Punjab to go back to the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) I-League Committee for a resolution.

Speculation was rife that the re-match could be held in New Delhi.