SAFF Championship: Sunil Chhetri and Co look to retain crown fresh after Intercontinental Cup win

India versus Pakistan clashes in sports always create a buzz among fans on both sides of the border. Even if the difference in quality between the two competing sides vast enough to make the contest seem a one-sided affair.

And yet, there is a degree of anticipation among football fans in India as the hosts take on Pakistan in their opening match of the 2023 SAFF Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday.

This is set to be the first time since 2014 that Pakistan plays in India, but for a while, there were major doubts over the match taking place altogether.

The match has largely been overshadowed by doubts over Pakistan’s participation in the regional tournament. The All India Football Federation – the governming body for the sport in India – had confirmed Pakistan’s participation on May 14 but it took until June 19, two days before kick-off, for Pakistan to be issued visas by the Indian government.

#SAFFChampionship2023

The Pakistan men’s football team have received their visas just two days before their opening match against India. https://t.co/9I7hAli6S9— The Field (@thefield_in) June 20, 2023

The Pakistan team had an anxious wait in Mauritius, where they were playing a four-nation tournament, to know if they would get to travel...

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