Overview
- The SAFF Championship opener between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Thursday, November 5 at 15:00 IST at Dhaka’s National Stadium.
- India travelled with an 18‑player second‑string under‑23 contingent and will add 10 players after the FIFA international window opens on November 9 because ISL clubs are not obliged to release players outside that period.
- Pakistan, coached by Nolberto Solano, have shown improved form in recent matches and named Denmark‑born defender Abdullah Iqbal in their squad.
- Multiple outlets reported accommodation problems on arrival, saying India waited hours for rooms and Pakistan’s hotel allocation was changed before departure, and organisers had not issued a substantive public response.
- The six‑team tournament sends the top two from each group to semi‑finals on November 14 and the final on November 17, and India’s record nine SAFF titles and higher FIFA ranking make them favourites despite the reduced squad.