Pakistan’s national football team is set to make its return to international tournaments in the upcoming 2023 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship.
This eagerly anticipated comeback will see them facing off against their arch-rivals, India, as both teams have been drawn in the same group.
The last time Pakistan participated in the premier competition was back in 2018, when they reached the semi-finals. Unfortunately, they were unable to compete in the 2021 tournament due to a suspension imposed by FIFA. However, there are still uncertainties surrounding their participation in the 2023 championship, considering the current strained relations between the two nations.
In light of this, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has already reached out to the federal government, seeking permission to represent the country in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in India.
For Pakistan, being able to take part in international competitions holds great significance, as it aids in the development of a skilled and experienced team. It is worth noting that Pakistan also missed the 2015 SAFF Championship, which was also held in India.
The upcoming match between Pakistan and India will mark their first encounter since the 2018 semi-final, where India emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. With India being the defending champions, they are once again considered as favorites to lift the cup in this edition of the championship.
