AIFF PR Team

KOLKATA: Former India captain Shabbir Ali, one of the country’s most celebrated footballers, knows what it means to share the pitch with the world’s best. Having represented India against formidable international sides, including Argentina and Uruguay, during his playing career, Shabbir witnessed firsthand the standard of elite world football.

As Brazil and Uruguay prepare to visit India, the former striker believes the occasion presents a rare and invaluable opportunity for Indian footballers to test themselves against some of the finest talent in the game and gain exposure to the highest level of competition.

India face Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26, then take on Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

For Shabbir Ali, the occasion recalls his own playing days, when India faced Argentina in the Nehru Cup. Argentina went on to win the 1986 World Cup, but India lost 0-1 despite a strong line-up.

“Only Maradona and one other player were missing,” Shabbir said. India also lost 3-1 to Uruguay during that period, with Manas Bhattacharya scoring for India. Shabbir believes the current generation can learn from these matches. “There's a big difference in rankings, but our boys will gain confidence. It will be a wonderful learning experience for the current players,” he said.

The former captain thinks the matches could create a special atmosphere in Kolkata, a city where football has a deep connection with its people.

“When major teams visit, excitement naturally skyrockets. When Messi came back in 2011, people travelled all the way from Hyderabad to Kolkata, just to watch him play. I also saw it when Brazil's veterans played in Chennai. The turnout and energy were incredible. This will be even bigger,” he said.

Shabbir remembers Diego Maradona’s visit to Kolkata in 2008 and said the excitement of watching football’s biggest stars never fades.

“I’m excited just watching from the sidelines. If I could turn back time, it would be incredible. Back in 2008, when I was coaching a team and Maradona visited Kolkata, the atmosphere was unreal."

“I’ll definitely be coming to watch the games in Kolkata,” he said.