Kiwi-Indian Sarpreet Singh misses out on dream clash as India arrive for NZ football friendlies
All Whites attacking mid-fielder Sarpreet Singh.
India's maiden football tour begins in Auckland this week, but the local hero isn't in town.
India's men's football team landed in Auckland late on Monday night for its first-ever tour of New Zealand, setting up two historic matches against the All Whites that will have special significance for the country's Kiwi-Indian community.
But one player who might have felt that significance more than most will be missing from the action. Sarpreet Singh, who represented New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has opted to remain in Portugal to focus on his club career, missing the opportunity to face the country of his family's heritage on home soil.
The 27-year-old midfielder plays for Sporting Clube Farense and has recently established himself in the club's starting line-up. All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said the decision followed lengthy discussions with Singh.
“That was a tough one. We talked for a long time backwards and forwards with that and he knew the enormity of coming back and playing against India for himself and his family,” Bazeley told Sport Nation Mornings.
“Ultimately his club do play in the window and so he would be missing games for his club.”
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The absence is particularly poignant given Singh's connection with India. Born and raised in Auckland to an Indian-origin family, he has built an international career representing New Zealand while retaining strong ties to his heritage.
He also made history earlier this year by becoming the first player named Singh to appear at a men's FIFA World Cup.
India begin historic tour
Meanwhile, India's 23-member squad, led by coach Khalid Jamil, arrived in Auckland at around 11.30pm on November 9 after travelling from Bengaluru via Kuala Lumpur.
The team will face the All Whites at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Thursday, November 12, before travelling to Christchurch for the second friendly at One New Zealand Stadium on Sunday, November 15.
Jamil said his players were adjusting well after the long journey.
“The flight was smooth, and the players are fit and ready. We have settled in well. This is the first time the Indian team has come to New Zealand, so it is a new experience for us. We are looking forward to the matches,” he said.
He also issued a direct appeal to Indian football supporters living in New Zealand.
“I know there are many Indian fans here in New Zealand. I would request them to come to the stadium and support the team. Their support is important for us, and we will try to give our best on the pitch,” Jamil said.
The squad is scheduled to train at North Harbour Stadium on Tuesday before holding a session at Go Media Stadium on Wednesday evening.
A century of sporting connections
The two-match series is part of the government-backed 100 Years of Unity Through Sport programme celebrating a century of sporting ties between India and New Zealand.
Although this is India's first football tour of New Zealand, the national teams have met twice previously. Their first encounter ended in a goalless draw at the 1981 Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia. New Zealand subsequently defeated India 2-1 at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai.
The upcoming matches will also be Bazeley's final two fixtures as All Whites head coach before his contract expires in December.
For Kiwi-Indian supporters, the series offers a rare opportunity to see India play international football on New Zealand soil, even without Singh in the All Whites line-up.
