(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Men’s Football Looks to UK-Based Talent for International Boost
The future of Pakistan’s men’s football team is showing promise, as the country builds a structured pathway for sustained success on the global stage. Meanwhile, the present squad could see a significant impact from diaspora players.
Head coach Nolberto Solano has revealed plans to strengthen the national side by recruiting UK-based players of Pakistani origin, a strategy previously used by former coach Stephen Constantine. Solano aims to meet these potential recruits during international breaks, persuading them to seize a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to represent Pakistan.
“I’ve already had expressions of interest from players in the Championship, League One, and League Two,” Solano shared. “This project will need commitment from the players and support from all relevant stakeholders to succeed.”
Currently, diaspora players form the backbone of Pakistan’s national team, with notable names including McKeal Abdullah, Abdul Arshad, Yousuf Butt, Mohammad Fazal, Harun Hamid, Abdullah Iqbal, Imran Kayani, Otis Khan, Rahis Nabi, and Easah Suliman. These players are often developed in structured environments abroad, providing an edge over domestic footballers.
The Pakistan Women’s Football team has adopted a similar approach, leveraging foreign-born talent to enhance competitiveness.
While some debate exists over the long-term effectiveness of relying on diaspora players, this strategy could prove vital for Pakistan as the team seeks to raise standards and compete more effectively against Asia’s established football nations.
Fans will be eagerly watching the next international window to see which new faces emerge from Solano’s recruitment drive, potentially transforming the Green Shirts into a more formidable force on the pitch.
