Top 3 Pakistan players to watch out for against India in SAFF Championship 2026

Pakistan have never won the SAFF Championship.

The Blue Tigers, who are coming off the back of three high-profile international friendlies in the September-October window, for which the dues are yet to be cleared, are back in action during the November international window, where they could potentially play a total of six games.

One set of players is set to travel to New Zealand for two high-profile friendlies, with senior national team head coach Khalid Jamil taking charge.

However, the remaining four games will be in the 2026 SAFF Championship, where India U-23 head coach Naushad Moosa will manage a second-string side featuring several youngsters and senior players who have struggled to establish themselves in the senior team set-up.

India, who are champions of the last two editions of the competition, having won the titles in 2021 and 2023, will begin their title defense against arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening game of the 2026 SAFF Championship. The match is scheduled for November 5, 2026, with kick-off at 15:00 IST at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Pakistan, ranked 197th in the FIFA global rankings, started the summer on a high by winning the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Malé, Maldives, in June. Following that performance, greater things were expected from the Falcons in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

However, they were completely outplayed and failed to win a single group-stage game in the competition, losing to Thailand and Vietnam while drawing with the Philippines.

Up next, they will be looking to win their first-ever SAFF Championship title, with their third-place finish in 1997 remaining their best achievement in the competition.

While they have announced a 28-member squad featuring several diaspora players plying their trade outside the country, they are expected to be without four key players, as both their group-stage games fall outside the international window.

Easah Suliman, Abdullah Iqbal, Ali Akbar and Abdul Samad are the four players who will miss the clash against India, with the expectation that they will be available only if Pakistan qualify for the knockout stages.

With a delayed flight, a depleted squad due to ISL commitments and delays in the allocation of hotel rooms in Bangladesh, Naushad Moosa’s preparations in Dhaka have not got off to the best possible start. Despite the difficult circumstances, India will be determined to secure all three points against a relatively weaker Pakistan side.

Here are three Pakistan players who could make a difference in the clash against India and potentially decide their side’s fortunes in the game.

Mohib Ullah

Mohib Ullah, one of the most promising young defenders in Pakistan football, is a 21-year-old center-back who has already made around 12 appearances for the senior national team. With the likes of Easah Suliman and Abdullah Iqbal unavailable, it will be important for the young defender to step up and contain India’s attacking threat.

He is a tall, physical presence at the back who often relies on his disciplined positioning to provide stability to the defense. An intelligent reader of the game, he uses his positional awareness to disrupt opposition attacks through crucial interceptions and blocks.

Mohib Ullah recently opened the scoring in Pakistan’s clash against Vietnam, despite his side eventually losing 4-2, highlighting the threat he can pose from set-piece opportunities.

Adil Nabi

It is hard to imagine any Pakistani player playing in any tier of Indian football. But once upon a time, English-born midfielder Adil Nabi, who recently chose to represent Pakistan in 2026, played for Delhi Dynamos FC after joining on loan from West Bromwich Albion in the 2015 edition of the tournament.

Nabi missed the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup after making his debut for Pakistan at the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament. He played a crucial role in midfield as Pakistan won the championship, registering an assist along the way.

Having risen through the ranks of the West Bromwich Albion academy, Nabi is highly technical on the ball, with the ability to spread play and operate in tight spaces.

He also possesses excellent vision and a goalscoring instinct that can make him a threat in the final third, something the Blue Tigers must be wary of.

Shayak Dost

Shayak Dost, a Pakistani winger who has spent a major part of his career developing and showcasing his skills in Bangladesh, will be a key presence in the Falcons’ attack, especially in the absence of some of their key diaspora players.

A versatile attacking presence, Shayak is one of the more experienced players in the squad. Having made his debut in 2022, he has earned around 23 caps for the country, scoring two goals and registering one assist. He scored twice in his most recent appearance for his club, heading into the tournament in good form.

His key strengths include his directness and pace on the flanks, along with the mobility and agility to operate in tight spaces. He makes well-timed runs into the box, often turning them into goals and assists.

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