Srinagar, Aug. 25 -- The Blue Tigers have been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Iran, hosts Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Danish, who plays for Indian Super League team Kerala Blasters, has already earned two caps for the national team, having made his debut in 2022. The 6-foot-1 central midfielder from Srinagar started his youth career with J&K Bank FC before playing for local clubs LoneStar Kashmir FC, Real Kashmir FC. He then played for Bengaluru FC and has been with Kerala since 2023, making 38 appearances and scoring four goals.

Nicknamed "Kashmiri Ronaldo" by peers in Kashmir, Danish is the son of legendary Kashmiri footballer Farooq Ahmad Bhat.

J&K Football Association was among many to congratulate Danish Farooq Bha...