As we approach the end of 2024, a pressing question looms over fans of Pakistani football: how many matches has the national men’s team actually played this year? The answer is stark—only four matches. To add insult to injury, none of these fixtures were friendlies, but rather FIFA 2026 qualifying matches, arranged by the governing body itself without any involvement from the Pakistan Football Federation Normalization Committee (PFF-NC).
PFF-NC’s Silence During Crucial FIFA Windows
The PFF-NC, helmed by Haroon Malik, has faced mounting criticism for its failure to schedule friendly matches during the FIFA windows in September and October. For fans and stakeholders, it raises eyebrows—what is the purpose of a football federation if not to foster competitive play for its national team? The silence from the PFF-NC during these crucial periods is deafening, and the sports community is left wondering about the motives behind this glaring negligence.
Among those four matches played in 2024, the opponents included Jordan (twice), Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan. All the home games were hosted at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad. Yet, despite these opportunities, there has been no concerted effort to arrange additional games against regional rivals or smaller nations that could provide valuable experience and cohesion for the squad.
What is Haroon Malik’s Administration Really Doing?
Malik and his administration continue to tout their supposed achievements, but one must ask: how difficult is it to arrange a few friendly matches with neighboring South Asian teams? The answer is not difficult at all, unless one is more engrossed in personal promotion than in fulfilling their actual responsibilities. The fundamentals of building a successful football program lie in consistent play and team chemistry, yet the PFF-NC seems disinterested in either.
Impact on Players: A Year Without Club or Country Games
This lack of activity over an entire calendar year is nothing short of disastrous for the players, especially those who lack club affiliations, such as many of Pakistan’s local players. Limited matchplay denies the team the opportunity to develop essential understanding and cohesion, which is crucial for forming a competitive unit. Instead, we are left with a handful of FIFA qualifiers, and even those are exaggerated by the PFF-NC as monumental achievements.
In summary, the current state of Pakistan’s football is alarming, reflecting deep-rooted issues within its administrative framework. It’s time for a serious discussion on the path forward for the national team. Are we willing to stand for this stagnation, or is it time to demand accountability and a commitment to the growth and success of our football? What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments below.