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Sports
India to Field Makeshift Squad for SAFF Opener Against Pakistan
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 09:32 AM
👁 13
India will deploy a makeshift squad in the opening match of the SAFF Championship against Pakistan, as senior players are unavailable for the fixture.
India’s senior football squad will be reshuffled for the SAFF Championship opener against Pakistan, with several key players ruled out of the lineup. The decision comes after a series of injuries and scheduling conflicts left the coaching staff with limited options.
The national team will rely on a mix of younger talent and fringe players to face Pakistan in the first match of the tournament. Officials say the squad change is a temporary measure aimed at keeping the team competitive while the regular players recover.
The opening fixture is scheduled to take place in the coming days, and the Indian side will look to secure a positive result against a familiar regional rival. The coaching staff remains optimistic that the makeshift lineup can hold its own on the field.
The national team will rely on a mix of younger talent and fringe players to face Pakistan in the first match of the tournament. Officials say the squad change is a temporary measure aimed at keeping the team competitive while the regular players recover.
The opening fixture is scheduled to take place in the coming days, and the Indian side will look to secure a positive result against a familiar regional rival. The coaching staff remains optimistic that the makeshift lineup can hold its own on the field.