Increased international fixtures on the horizon for Pakistan

The country is likely to play more matches with South Asian nations

KARACHI: One of the better things to come out of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress general meeting in Manama was Pakistan may benefit from playing more football with its South Asian neighbours.

While football federation officials had their time to mingle with the AFC officials from other countries, the players back home believe that playing international matches will be key in shaping the future of the sport in the country.

Key striker Kaleemullah believes that, while the step to go to Maldives for a four-nation tournament in July and then going for another tournament in Bangladesh in September has its advantages, the federation should focus on the giants in Asia.

“It’s a positive step but we need more,” Kaleemullah told The Express Tribune. “The federation should realise that we need to aim hire when it comes to the competition. If we play against teams from Japan, Korea, China or Qatar — we’ll improve. So far we’ve been stuck with South Asian countries. We’ve been looking to make our mark there but we haven’t really improved a lot.”

Kaleemullah said that playing bilateral series with India next year, as the federation’s official Sardar Naveed confirmed on Friday, will bring in the crowd to watch but the standard of the game in the two countries is the same.

“Playing with India is a good opportunity but there isn’t much of a difference between our football and theirs, really how much can we improve from this. It’s time to have a series with popular footballing nations,” said Kaleemullah.

On the other hand, midfielder Saddam Hussain said that playing with South Asian Football Federation (Saff) countries can give Pakistan an edge in the Saff Cup that is due this year.

He added that any international match is a step forward.

“If we play in the Maldives before the Saff Cup, then obviously, it’s good practice,” he said. “Mostly playing with India in the bilateral series can help the players as football is more popular in India. If there is a possibility of playing in the Indian Super League next year, then I’m sure Pakistani’s can win them over. All our players need is that opportunity; we are talented enough to carve our way. When we visited India last year, people really liked our game.”

Meanwhile former captain Essa Khan, who has played a series against India for Pakistan in 2005, said that regional football can be a great way for Pakistan in improving their FIFA ranking, where Pakistan are currently ranked 172nd in the world.

 

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