Shahrukh Sohail, Chief Editor, Islamabad
According to reports, the Pakistan Football Federation have roped in three other nations and are set to host an International tournament in Lahore during April.
While few sports teams are willing to tour Pakistan, the PFF are looking to continue the trend of International football in the country and according to sources, the visit of Afghanistan, Palestine and Philippines will go a long way in restoring the nation’s reputation.
The tournament is set to be held in Lahore at the Punjab Stadium and according to some reports, current coach Mohammad Al-Shamlan might play the U-22 Team against the visiting senior sides in order to gain match practice ahead of the AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers in June.
Also, the tournament’s dates in April are yet to be confirmed but as the U-22 Team will be taking part, Pakistan will not be able to call established foreign stars such as Zesh Rehman (Pahang FA), Hassan Bashir (Fremad Amagar), Mohammad Ali (BK Avarta), Adnan Ahmed (Nelson FC) and Yousuf Butt (BGA).
Nonetheless, the quadrangular tournament provides so much needed home games for the Pak Shaheens and the Pakistani fans will finally be able to see their own team in action after a long hiatus.
footballpakistan
PFF should also send the majority of players at U22 as well so they can gain experience and additional exposure.
ReplyDeleteI am actually worried about this. Wasn't the Sri Lankan Cricket team attacked over there a few years ago?
ReplyDeletei don`t like the idea to join the tournment because with Palestine & Afghanistan there will be two direct competitors (which can cause the Azkals serious troubles in the Challenge cup) in that 4 team mini league...it would be better to look for some team with a similiar style of playing.....but PFF probably isn't able to organize that
ReplyDelete