IT is very disappointing that the most popular game in the world has been treated in a stepmotherly manner in Pakistan, and it is frustrating to be a football fan, given that the national team’s achievements can hardly ever be talked about. However, the onus of reviving football in the country lies with the Pakistan Football Federation and it can be achieved through both short-term and long-term planning.
In order to achieve success at regional tournaments such as the SAFF Cup to be held in September this year, the PFF needs to entice maximum number of foreign-based players to represent the country, since they bring quality and the much-needed international experience with them. Although Pakistan’s Serbian coach Zavisa Milosavljevic has so far done well in convincing a number of Europe-based players to play for Pakistan, it remains to be seen if he can convince players of the stature of Adil Nabi (West Brom), Etzaz Hussain (Molde), Nabil Aslam (AC Horsens) and Luke Dean to play for Pakistan regularly. The Philippines and Afghanistan are prime examples of lowly-ranked Asian teams benefiting from the experience and class of Europe-based players.
Convincing maximum number of foreign-based players should be part of short-term planning on the part of the game’s governing body in the country.
On the other hand, the PFF needs to put in a huge effort to uplift the game at the grassroots level in the country, including a complete overhaul of the current football league, which is a shambles and incapable of providing Pakistan with players who can compete at the international level. A football league, comprising teams from different cities, should help serve the purpose for all the stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and broadcasters, thereby generating immense interest and following among the people.
A strong football league in the country would help ensure better quality of home-grown players for the national team, and the involvement of big bucks would ensure proper training and better facilities which will help in making Pakistan a major football nation, not only in South Asia but throughout the continent.
In such a scenario, it would be difficult to bet against the ‘Green Shirts’ making it into their first World Cup finals, perhaps in 2022. But for such a dream to materialise, much hard work, money, conviction and sincerity is required.
ENGR OSAMA ANSARI Karachi
