Pakistan, Myanmar reverse Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture schedule

LAHORE: Pakistan and Myanmar have mutually agreed to reverse their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers home-and-away fixture schedule, following consultations with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The formal approval of the revised schedule from the AFC is currently awaited.

Under the new arrangement, Pakistan will now play the first leg away in Myanmar on June 10, instead of hosting the opener. The second leg will be held in Pakistan, pending final confirmation from the AFC.

The decision to adjust the schedule is influenced by the upcoming Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) elections on May 27, which are expected to usher in new leadership. Officials close to the matter emphasized that international fixtures require careful planning, extensive coordination, and clear timelines, and the reversal ensures the incoming administration has adequate time to prepare for such a high-profile match.

A source within the PFF noted that hosting an international match is a long-term logistical process rather than a single-day event. The strategic move aims to maintain proper hosting standards and organizational readiness once the new leadership takes office.