India have arrived in Dhaka for the return leg of their Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, bringing Australia-born striker Ryan Williams into their squad. The team landed in the capital on Saturday, 15 November, ahead of the match scheduled for 18 November at the National Stadium at 8:00pm Bangladesh time.
Hamza Choudhury, who plays in the English Premier League, made his Bangladesh debut in the previous fixture between the two sides. Since then, the Bangladesh squad has been strengthened by Canada-based Shamit Shome, along with Fahamedul Islam and Zayyan Ahmed.
Hamza has dominated the spotlight in every match he has played for Bangladesh. India have now responded by adding a foreign-born heritage player of their own, with Williams joining them on this tour.
Williams, 32, was born and raised in Australia and earned one senior cap for the Australian national team in 2019. He has recently been granted Indian citizenship. However, before he can represent India in official international football, he must still receive formal clearance from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Despite this pending approval, head coach Khalid Jamil has included him in the 23-man squad travelling to Bangladesh.
Williams’ participation remains uncertain, as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has yet to receive a no-objection certificate from Football Australia or the required international clearance. The forward has been based in India since 2023 and currently plays for Bengaluru FC.
India squad for the match against Bangladesh
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Joy Gupta, Parambir, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Louis Nixon, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammad Shanan, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Pratap Singh.
