Pakistan to Participate in 4-Nation Tournament in Maldives Next Month

KARACHI: Pakistan is set for another stretch of international fixtures after confirmation that they will feature in a four-nation tournament in the Maldives next month alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the hosts.

The competition, officially titled the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, will run from June 1 to 10 in Malé as part of the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations. All matches are scheduled to be played at the National Football Stadium.

Pakistan opened their campaign against Bangladesh on June 1 before taking on the hosts three days later. Their final league fixture will come against Afghanistan national football team on June 7, with the top two teams advancing to the final.

The development means Pakistan to participate in 4-nation tournament preparations shortly after the side wrapped up their AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign. Pakistan finished bottom of Group E with two points from six matches after suffering defeats against the Saudi Arabia national football team and Syria national football team in both home-and-away fixtures.

Their only victory in the campaign came against Myanmar national football team in Islamabad, while both matches against Afghanistan ended in draws.

The upcoming event is expected to give Pakistan another opportunity to test squad depth and combinations against regional opposition ahead of future competitions. The schedule released by organisers also confirmed that the tournament final will be played on June 10 at the same venue in Male.