Could Indo-Pak Football have an enthralling chapter?!

India beat Puerto Rico 4-1 in an international friendly on Saturday played at Mumbai Football Arena. Exemplary performance by the blues and the high-spirited crowd, an epitome of progressive growth. We have come a long way to see such a game in our country. Praful Patel, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed that India will look to host more friendly matches in the future.

While India has already accelerated its pace since the emergence of ISL franchise and the recent International Friendly against Puerto Rico, we wonder if our readers are curious about the happenings in our neighbouring country Pakistan.
We have seen the struggle to place Football among the audience, lack of football culture has ruined many practices in the nation. With ample talent pool, the slow or no footballing development have snatched away many opportunities from deserving aspirants. Currently placed 178 in the FIFA overall rankings, it screams the necessity for improvement.
The scenario is more or less the same with our neighbouring country, Pakistan. Despite political tension between the two, the sport brings us together be it on the web portal or otherwise. Acknowledging the talent, players like Kaleemullah, Zesh Rahman, Hasan Bashir have kept the audience from other side hooked to the screen solely for the talent and skills they possess. Hajra Khan, Captain of the Pakistan Women’s National Football Team has inspired the girls in India too. 
kaleem-chhetri-handshake-footballcounter

Kaleem-Chhetri-Handshake 2014

Farid Khan, budding Journalist and also the former president of Forman Sports Society well known in Lahore, Pakistan spoke to us on how the sport is not considered as a career option simply because of the lack of opportunities and path. He says “The Pakistani youth are one of the most talented but see no scope as a career in football. They do play a lot of football, club football and tournaments are held but they play for fun and for sake of it. They get selected for departments, have to leave their studies and earn just 20,000 Rupees which is a low amount for a living especially when you have a family.
Also, mentions how the disinterest of the officials is a barrier to the progress. Fair to say, the struggle is real for both the sides to have given the  command to some of the people who take Football as a business opportunity.
To fill the gaps, the players of the Pakistan national team are looking for making a parallel body and get it recognised with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) instead of Pakistan Football Association (PFA), as the disturbance of the bodies have caused them to not being able to play SAFF games and host games in the nation.
The efforts taken to clear the mess will make a difference sooner or later.
On Future India-Pakistan games, he says “People admire Sunil Chhetri, Subrata Paul and other players here in Pakistan. Despite the political stability what can be done is conduct matches on neutral venues be it Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Qatar where the teams can play in peace. This is a need of the hour, we need to have more and more matches.
The journey is long with them keeping the sport on par with politics and relatable issues, the beauty of the sport is being compromised. We stand in solidarity towards upliftment and development of individual talents as the dream of such players doesn’t deserve to be crushed under the weight of greed and corruption.
For the love of the game, we wonder if Pakistan overcomes the challenge and succeeds in developing their game, would we await the India-Pakistan Football Match as enthusiastically as we do for the Cricket Matches. A nickel for every thought that crosses every Indian’s mind!
Hope you had a good Sunday read, later much! However, please do follow us on www.footballcounter.com for daily Mumbai Football update and some Sunday Specials too!

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share