LAHORE: In a move driven by logistical prudence and political transition, Pakistan and Myanmar have jointly agreed to reverse the home-and-away legs of their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier, pending final approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
According to the revised schedule, Pakistan will now travel to Myanmar for the first leg on June 10, while the return fixture is set to be hosted on home soil, following the pivotal Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) elections on May 27. The shift has been made in consultation with both the AFC and FIFA, with formal confirmation from the continental body expected shortly.
The decision comes at a critical juncture for Pakistani football, with the impending PFF elections expected to bring in a new leadership after years of administrative instability. Officials close to the matter say the change in fixtures is not merely a logistical adjustment but a necessary step to ensure a smooth and professional hosting of the international tie.
“International matches are not single-day affairs. They require meticulous planning, coordination across various departments, and months of preparation. Holding such a significant match during an uncertain transition period would be counterproductive.” A senior PFF source told The Nation
The reversal allows the new football administration, expected to be elected on May 27, ample time to prepare for the second leg with full authority and organizational oversight. This move also signals a commitment from both federations to uphold the standards of international competition, despite the domestic political context.
Not a Security Issue
The change had sparked initial skepticism among fans and observers, particularly given that Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket matches have been hosted successfully in cities like Rawalpindi without security issues. However, sources within the PFF were quick to dispel speculation that the venue switch was security-related.
“This is not about safety,” an insider emphasized. “This is about doing things properly.”
The rearranged fixtures come at a time when Pakistan is looking to reestablish itself on the Asian football map. With a young national team and increasing public interest in the sport, the AFC qualifiers present a golden opportunity to signal Pakistan’s return to competitive international football.
High time for Pakistan Football
The match against Myanmar is more than just a qualifier. It represents a symbolic restart for Pakistan’s troubled football ecosystem. Years of administrative turmoil, FIFA suspensions, and political wrangling have kept the national game in limbo.
A successful home leg under a newly elected PFF regime would serve as a landmark moment, demonstrating both organizational capability and renewed sporting ambition. It would also be the first major international fixture in Pakistan following the federation’s transition, a litmus test for the new leadership’s ability to deliver on promises of reform and revival.