It has been more than 100 days since the Pakistan national football team last played a game on June 11, 2024, and this prolonged inactivity is sounding alarms in the footballing community. Despite many promises and media campaigns from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the team remains sidelined, while excuses flow in from those in charge. Rather than focusing on organizing matches, the PFF seems more interested in media promotions and extending their administrative tenures. This lack of footballing activity is having severe repercussions on multiple fronts, particularly when it comes to the development of players, the growth of the sport, and the overall state of football in Pakistan.
1. Player Development and Growth
Footballers need consistent match play to grow, refine their skills, and stay sharp. Without regular competitive fixtures, players lose their form, and their ability to improve stagnates. Match fitness is not something that can be fully maintained in training; the intensity and unpredictability of competitive games push players to reach their peak performance levels.
In Pakistan, this issue is further compounded by the lack of a functional domestic football league. The Pakistan Premier League, once the top competition for local footballers, has been dead since the 2018-2019 season. With no local league, players are left with no viable platform to showcase their skills. The abolishment of departmental sports during the previous Prime Minister’s tenure added salt to the injury, as many players lost their primary source of employment and had no choice but to play in small, local tournaments to stay active.
Additionally, talented national team players like Rao Omer Hayat, Alamgir Ghazi, Muhammad Waleed, Muhammad Waheed, Shayek Dost (who was able to play in Afghanistan Premier League fortunately), Mamoon Mosa, Abdullah Shah (also had half a Season in Afghanistan), Zain Ul Abdeen, Ali Uzair, Adeel Younas and many others are struggling to find foreign clubs. This is due to the disarray back home, where football development is so poorly managed that international clubs—whether European, Asian, or American—show little to no interest in Pakistan’s players. Without a proper structure in place, these players are being overlooked by the global football community, which makes it incredibly difficult for them to secure opportunities abroad.
The absence of competitive football at both the national and domestic levels is damaging to the growth of players:
- Loss of Match Fitness: Players who are not regularly competing cannot maintain the same level of physical fitness required to perform at their best.
- Tactical Rustiness: Without regular matches, players forget team tactics and systems. Even highly organized teams struggle to execute a game plan after long periods of inactivity.
- Loss of Confidence: Players need to test themselves against strong opposition to build self-confidence. Without competitive challenges, even the most talented players can lose their edge.
2. Impact on the National Football Ecosystem
Football is not just about the players on the pitch; it involves coaches, scouts, analysts, and fans. The prolonged inactivity of the national team, coupled with the dead domestic league, negatively impacts all these stakeholders.
- Coaches and Tactical Planning: A team without regular matches is a team without direction. Coaches are unable to gauge the effectiveness of their strategies, assess the performance of players in real-world scenarios, or make necessary adjustments to their game plans. The inability to test different lineups and tactics in competitive settings delays the progression of the national team.
- Fan Engagement and National Pride: Football is a sport that unites communities and nations. Fans eagerly anticipate matches to cheer on their team, express their national pride, and find moments of joy. When the national team isn’t playing, fan engagement drops, enthusiasm wanes, and football loses its place in public discourse. The lack of football activity means fewer opportunities to galvanize supporters, build a fan base, and inspire the next generation of players.
- Missed Opportunities for Scouting and Development: Regular matches and leagues serve as opportunities for coaches, scouts, and clubs to identify new talent. If players aren’t getting competitive match time, scouts lose out on the chance to spot up-and-coming stars. The cancellation of the Pakistan Premier League also limits opportunities for younger players to showcase their skills, as clubs and national teams miss out on local talent that could be developed.
3. Lost International Opportunities
Pakistan has long been struggling to establish itself as a competitive force in international football. Every match represents a step forward – whether it’s a win or a loss, there are lessons to be learned and progress to be made. The more a team plays, the better they understand their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement.
By not participating in matches for over 100 days, Pakistan risks falling behind other nations, especially those in its region. Neighboring countries like India that continue to play competitive fixtures, whether in friendlies or tournaments, are gaining valuable experience and improving their FIFA rankings. Pakistan, meanwhile, remains stagnant, with no real progress being made.
Recently, there were rumors in the media that Pakistan’s football federation lost an opportunity to play a friendly with the Russian Football Federation. This exposed the incompetence of the PFF’s Normalization Committee, led by Haroon Malik. Such lost opportunities further hinder Pakistan’s progress on the international stage, where friendly matches against more established teams can provide vital experience for players and much-needed exposure for the national team.
In the international football community, match activity plays a key role in raising a team’s profile and gaining recognition. Teams that remain active attract attention from sponsors, media, and other national football federations. This can lead to friendly matches, tours, and other opportunities that further enhance a team’s development. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s absence from the global football stage means fewer opportunities for exposure, fewer partnerships, and less respect from the international footballing community.
4. Excuses and Mismanagement at the Top
The PFF’s continuous focus on media campaigns and public relations instead of scheduling matches raises serious concerns about the priorities of the administration. Extending time in office and maintaining a positive public image seem to be taking precedence over the actual development of football. This is a disservice not only to the players but also to the millions of fans who want to see Pakistan football thrive on the international stage.
Football is not built in boardrooms; it’s built on the pitch. While PFF officials are busy with press conferences and extending their tenures, the players are missing out on the most important part of their careers – actually playing football. The longer this situation continues, the more damage is done to the long-term growth of the sport in Pakistan.
Also Read: Where Are the Matches? Pakistan Football’s Alarming 2024 Record
Conclusion
The Pakistan football team cannot afford to remain inactive for long stretches of time. Every day without a match is a day where progress is stalled, where players lose their sharpness, and where the dreams of football fans fade a little more. The PFF needs to stop with the excuses and start organizing regular fixtures, both domestically and internationally. It’s time to focus on what truly matters – the development of football in Pakistan.
The consequences of this prolonged inactivity will not only be felt in the short term but will have long-lasting effects on the future of Pakistan football. The players, the fans, and the entire football ecosystem deserve better. With the Pakistan Premier League in ruins, the lost opportunities like the rumored Russian friendly, and the national team’s inactivity, it’s clear that the PFF’s priorities need to shift back to football. It’s time to bring football back where it belongs – on the field, not in the boardroom.