Mumbai, July 23:
Experienced footballers Sandip Nandy, Climax Lawrence, N P Pradeep and Steven Dias were among the home-grown stars picked on day two of the domestic players draft for the Indian Super League, here today.
A total of 84 players were on offer in the two-day draft process that concluded today.
Former India goalkeeper Nandy was among the first from the second lot of 42 players to be chosen today, by Kerala Blasters – a team co-owned by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and coached by successful ex-East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan.
Midfielders Lawrence, Dias and Pradeep had to wait till the last few rounds before being picked by Athletico de Kolkata, Delhi Dynamos and Bengaluru respectively.
Among the others to be picked were Sanju Pradhan and Mehrajuddin Wadoo who were chosen by Kolkata and Pune franchises respectively.
Several talented youngsters were also picked by the six franchises over the last two days while two other franchises – Goa and North East FC – announced their pickings – done prior to the draft – after each round.
The first lot of 42 players was picked on day one of the draft yesterday.
The player pool was a mix of seasoned, experienced senior national players and promising young talents from across the country.
In terms of playing positions, ISL draft pool had 27 attackers (forwards and wingers), 21 midfielders, 26 defenders and 10 goalkeepers.
It also included 30 players on loan from four I-League clubs, as well as free agents who have been centrally contracted.
ISL has also made provision of additional seven players in the Central Reserve Pool to serve as future replacements in case of injuries or other emergencies.
Speaking to reporters, Dias said he was very excited to be playing for Delhi.
“I have always enjoyed playing in Delhi during the Nehru Cup and Durand Cup,” he said.
He also said that the ISL will help Indian footballers “get to know where we belong and to learn from international footballers”. (PTI)
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