In a recent episode of the ProSports Podcast, Haroon Malik the Chairman of the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) Normalization Committee confirmed that the national men’s football team will participate in a series of friendly matches away from home, this November.
This announcement marks a significant step in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its international football presence and provide its players with valuable exposure at the international level.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of these friendlies as a strategic move to prepare the team for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in March 2025.
“We will conduct friendlies in November and the matches will be held away from home and I will let you know about the opposition as soon as we finalize it,” he stated.
While specific opponents and locations for these matches have yet to be disclosed, the PFF NC is reportedly in discussions with several football associations to finalize the details.
“We cannot conduct friendlies in October because there has been no confirmation from the other federations, plus the NOC deadlines of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have already passed,” said the PFF NC Chairman.
In addition to the men’s team’s international engagements, the Chairman highlighted a renewed focus on the women’s national team.
He announced that the women’s team will be participating in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship where they will face arch-rivals India in their first game.
This tournament is a crucial platform for the women’s team to showcase their talent and gain competitive experience, at the international level.
PFF NC Chairman’s commitment to both the men’s and women’s teams underscores a broader strategy to elevate the standard of football in Pakistan.