Four AFC Asian Cup nations who don't have players in foreign leagues

There have been players from the Indian national team who have played on foreign soil in the past.

With the rosters announced for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the hosts Qatar haven’t got any players on their squad list currently playing outside their country in any foreign leagues.

In the past, there have been players from India who have featured in other premier football tournaments on foreign soil. Former Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul and Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu both have taken charge in European outfits. Former Indian forward and a stalwart of the game, Bhaichung Bhutia became the first player from India to sign a contract with a foreign club when he joined Manchester-based side Bury FC back in 1999. Saudi Arabia’s stalwart Sami Al-Jaber signed a contract with the English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanders FC back in 2000.

If we start producing examples, it’ll be a long read! So let’s dive into the article and have a look at the only four nations who don’t have players playing in foreign leagues.

4. India

The current Indian squad that will be taking the field in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 will enjoy the services of Sunil Chhetri, Anirudh Thapa, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco and Sandesh Jhingan among others.  

With Chhetri gearing up to play his last AFC Asian Cup, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Naorem Mahesh Singh will be in charge of dominating the flanks. There have been some shocking additions like Deepak Tangri, Pritam Kotal, and Udanta Singh to the squad despite their current underwhelming form though. However, a primary reason for this can be the prevailing injuries of players who have showcased better numbers on the charts when compared.

3. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been a pioneer in nurturing stalwarts in Asian football, may it be Al-Jaber in the past or Salem Al Dawsari in the present. Saudi Arabia has a complete roster, nurtured in the Saudi Pro League, the country’s top-flight.

2. United Arab Emirates

Ali Mabkhout will be seen taking charge of the United Arab Emirates in the upcoming tournament. Featuring in AFC’s Players-to-Watch list for the contest, Ali Mabkhout has been one of the most prominent figures in Asian football alongside the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Chanathip Songkrasin, Alisher Dzhalilov, and Omar Khrbin among others. The goal poacher from the land of the Emirates can be the reason of worry for the goalkeepers in Group C.

1. Qatar

Qatar, the defending champions and the hosts of the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup will be showcasing the likes of Akram Afif and Hassan Al Hayados dominating the flanks, with Abdelkarim Hasan to be in charge of the defensive duties and Abdulaziz Hatem being their midfield general. They will once again look to conquer Asia, but this time on home turf!

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