ISLAMABAD: The growing trend of football in Pakistan reflects the promotion of the sport in Pakistan. Thousands of fans flocked to Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad to support the FIFA qualifier matches. Football in Pakistan was prominently highlighted by players from Lyari. For many years, football in Pakistan was limited to a few areas, including Balochistan and Lyari.
From 1948 to 2003, the National Championship was held in Pakistan. The Pakistan Premier League also began after 2003. However, due to the lack of professional football clubs, football did not have access to quality coaching and staff in the South Asian country. As football gained popularity on a global level, the sport’s standing in Pakistan deteriorated. The main reason for this decline was the administration’s lack of attention to football.
However, despite Pakistan’s role in producing football for global tournaments, the country has been absent from international football due to various factors. Pakistan marked its return to international football with a match against Nepal and achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time. The next major milestone for Pakistan is the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Football experts say that investment in football and the establishment of a league in Pakistan are essential
Football coach Stephen Constantine believes that Pakistan is not yet ready to reach the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Developing football talent is pivotal and can be achieved by setting up well-equipped coaching centers in Pakistan. Each year, the Dubai-based football club TFA conducts free talent hunt programs in Pakistan, offering talented players opportunities to compete in international clubs.
If programs are organized in the style of these clubs’ excellent efforts, Pakistan’s talent can be brought to the forefront. Assistance from the coaching staff of international clubs should be sought so that young players can be introduced to new techniques. Talent hunt programs should be organized to promote football, bringing talent from the grassroots level to the forefront. Development programs need to be worked on to ensure that good players have access to international clubs.
