Pakistan grouped with Saudi Arabia, Iraq in AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers

In this handout photo, taken and released by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on June 26, 2025, shows the national women’s team posing for a group photograph with the PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani in Islamabad, ahead of their participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. (Handout/PFF)
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Updated 26 June 2025
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Pakistan grouped with Saudi Arabia, Iraq in AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers

  • Thirty-one international teams to partake in qualifiers from Sept. 20-24
  • AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 will be contested in Jan. 27-Feb. 7

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s football team has been selected in Group D along with Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Chinese Taipei for the qualifiers of the upcoming AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed on Thursday.

Thirty-one teams have confirmed their participation for the 11th qualifiers, which will take place between September 20 to 24. The draw has divided the teams into eight groups— seven groups of four and one group of three— with each to be played in a centralized league format.

“Our journey to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 begins in Group D, sharing the pitch with hosts Saudi Arabia,” the PFF wrote on social media platform X.

“An exciting draw that sets the stage for some incredible matches. Time to prepare!“

India are in Group A with Kuwait, Australia and Mongolia while top seeds Thailand will have to contend with Korea Republic, Bahrain and Brunei Darussalam in Group B.

Four-time winners Japan are the top seeds in Group C with hosts Tajikistan, Macau and Cambodia their challengers. Group E will see Vietnam, Lebanon, hosts China and Hong Kong face each other while Group F includes Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic (hosts), Timor-Leste and Palestine.

Iran, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh are part of Group G while Afghanistan, Myanmar and Maldives are part of Group H.

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 will be contested from January 27-February 7.


ILT20 season 4 set for blockbuster finish as playoffs begin

Updated 29 December 2025
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ILT20 season 4 set for blockbuster finish as playoffs begin

  • The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final

DUBAI: The International League T20’s fourth season has reached the playoff stage, with the final four confirmed after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sealed the last spot with a 32-run win over Gulf Giants.

The playoffs begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where Desert Vipers will face MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 for a direct berth in the final.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will then take on defending champions Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator in Dubai on Thursday. The winner will advance to Qualifier 2 in Sharjah to meet the loser of Qualifier 1 to determine the second spot in the final, set for Jan. 4 at Dubai International Stadium.

The Vipers topped the league stage with eight wins, including a historic Super Over victory against Gulf Giants.

Key contributors include Max Holden (318 runs), Sam Curran (285 runs, seven wickets), and bowlers Khuzaima Tanveer (14 wickets) and David Payne (12 wickets).

MI Emirates, who secured second place with a late-season five-match winning streak, are evenly matched against the Vipers historically, with four wins apiece.

UAE star Muhammad Waseem (293 runs) has been a standout performer.

Reigning champions Capitals finished the league stage with five wins and five losses, led by bowlers Waqar Salamkheil (17 wickets) and Mustafizur Rahman (15 wickets), and batsmen Jordan Cox (311 runs) and Shayan Jahangir (302 runs).

The Knight Riders, making only their second playoff appearance, will face a Capitals side that has won eight of nine previous encounters between the two. Ajay Kumar (15 wickets) has been their top bowler this season.

The ILT20 carries a total prize pool of over $1 million, with $700,000 for the champions and $300,000 for the runners-up.