In a wired turn of events, Pakistan are set to reach Bangalore just hours before the mega clash against hosts India on Wednesday in the South Asian Football Federation Championship.
That is, according to GeoSuper, due to delays in visas for the Green Shirts, who are in Mauritius.
“We are still waiting for the visas,” the publication quoted its sources. “We have been told that they could be issued tomorrow. If the visas are issued by Tuesday (June 20) before 12 pm [Mauritius time], we would be in a position to leave by 5:30 pm local time.
“However, that would mean that we would reach Bangalore, via a connecting flight from Mumbai, in the early hours of Wednesday,” sources said.
This means Pakistan would be unable to take proper rest before the crucial clash and jet-leg could also affect the performance of the players.“
Moreover, SAFF General Secretary Anwarul Haque also ruled out the possibility of rescheduling the game.
While speaking to News9 Sports, Haq also said that matches of the Pakistan team could be cancelled if they don’t arrive in time for the tournament.
The SAFF Championship will run from June 21- July 4 with India defending their title.
After India, Pakistan will face Kuwait on the 24th and Nepal on the 27th of the month.