ISLAMABAD: The head coach of Pakistan’s men’s national football team, Stephen Constantine, declared on Saturday his squad will face Jordan with resolve in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Islamabad next week, indicating a robust approach against their adversaries.
Football in Pakistan, while not as widely played or followed as cricket, has a growing base of enthusiasts passionate about the game. Efforts are underway to bolster the national team’s performance and presence on the international stage, aiming to elevate Pakistan’s status in global football tournaments and nurture homegrown talent.
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Saturday, Constantine outlined the team’s mindset and strategic focus ahead of their encounter with Jordan, one of Asia’s top football teams, on March 21 at the Jinnah Stadium Islamabad.
“It’s difficult obviously for Pakistan to play World Cup Qualifiers and face adamant opponents, who are football giants in Asia,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Pakistan’s Football Federation. “We have very little time to prepare for such a big game. And unfortunately, we are going to play one of the best teams [Jordan] in Asia on 21st March.”
However, he added: “We will fight against Jordan and not lay down.”
Responding to a query regarding whether the Pakistan team is going to play this FIFA World Cup 2026, Constantine said: “No, we are not going to play this World Cup and maybe not the next World Cup as well. I am trying to prepare the team for the Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship.”
As the national team intensifies its preparations, he revealed that diaspora players were expected to join the training camp soon, adding strength to the squad.
“A proper and professional football league is the most important thing here in Pakistan,” he continued. “You cannot produce a player without a league.”
Constantine highlighted the tough competition within their qualifying group, which includes heavyweights like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan.
However, he said it was an opportunity for the Pakistani squad to gain valuable experience and exposure that would benefit them in the long run.
Pakistan football coach vows resolute approach for next week’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan
https://arab.news/p2gxc
Pakistan football coach vows resolute approach for next week’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan
- Stephen Constantine says he is preparing the team for the Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship
- Pakistan faced tough competition within their qualifying group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan
PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition
- The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 20
- The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the player auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on Feb. 11, setting the stage for franchises to begin assembling squads for the country’s premier Twenty20 tournament.
The development came after a workshop regarding PSL player auction at the Qaddafi Stadium, which was presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
The workshop was attended by PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players.
“The HBL PSL management shared a detailed presentation on the mechanics of the retention and the auction process and consulted with all the participants,” the PCB said.
“It was agreed that the HBL PSL player auction will take place on Wednesday, 11 February.”
The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and maximum of 20 players per franchise. The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size, according to the PCB.
It would be mandatory for the franchises to play minimum of three and maximum of four foreign players in the playing XI. The teams are also required to have minimum of two uncapped Under 23 players in the squad and one in the playing XI.
Players either retained or picked in the auction will be engaged for two-year contracts with their respective franchise teams, the board said, adding that franchise teams will be able to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.
“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” Naqvi said.
“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive.”
PSL CEO Naseer said the player auction system modernizes player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the PSL’s appeal for both players and franchises.
“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month,” he said.
PSL has become a key pillar of the country’s cricket economy, providing financial stability to the PCB and serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. The 11th edition of the league is set to begin from Mar. 26 while the final is expected to be played on May 3, as per the PCB’s schedule.
