India To Face Pakistan In Dhaka With Second-String Squad

Organisers' accommodation problems could unsettle teams and this change makes the match more competitive because Pakistan have shown recent improvement under coach Nolberto Solano.

Overview

The SAFF Championship opener between India and Pakistan is set for Thursday, November 5 at 3pm IST at Dhaka’s National Stadium.
India travelled initially with an 18-player squad and will add 10 more players after the FIFA international window opens on November 9 because ISL clubs did not release certain players.
Reports say Pakistan’s hotel was changed before departure and the Indian team waited several hours for rooms on arrival, highlighting pre-tournament organisational lapses.
Pakistan arrive under coach Nolberto Solano with signs of improved form and a squad that includes Denmark-born captain Abdullah Iqbal, which could narrow the gap with India.
Group B contains India, Pakistan and Maldives, the top two teams advance to semifinals on November 14, and India enter the tournament as nine-time champions ranked 138th in FIFA standings while Pakistan are ranked 197th.