LAHORE: Pakistan internationals Alamgir Ghazi and Abdullah Shah have underscored the urgent need for structural reforms in domestic football, emphasizing regular competitive exposure and the establishment of a professional league system as essential steps toward reviving the sport in the country.
Fresh from their stint in the Bangladesh Premier League, where they featured for Brothers Union FC, both players, while talking to media, described the experience as a crucial opportunity in the absence of a consistent domestic league in Pakistan.
Abdullah Shah noted that the team participated in three matches during Ramadan prior to the league’s international break, calling the exposure invaluable. He stressed that match time remains the most critical component in a footballer’s development, something Pakistani players have long been deprived of due to the lack of organized competitions at home. Representing Pakistan abroad, he added, also carried symbolic importance, particularly at a time when bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have shown improvement after decades.
Echoing similar sentiments, Alamgir Ghazi described the stint as a significant learning curve, highlighting how playing in a foreign league helps local players adapt to competitive environments. He expressed hope that more Pakistani footballers would secure opportunities abroad, arguing that such exposure reduces pressure during international fixtures and enhances overall performance. According to Ghazi, consistent participation in leagues is the only way players can develop the confidence and composure required at higher levels.
Addressing why more Pakistani players have not been able to secure contracts in leagues like Bangladesh, Ghazi offered a candid assessment. While acknowledging that the Bangladesh Premier League does not match European standards, he maintained that it remains one of the stronger competitions in South Asia, second only to the Indian Super League.
He pointed out that foreign player quotas often favor European recruits, while limited slots under the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) quota restrict opportunities. The players who did make the move, he explained, were those with significant international experience and established track records. Shah added that Pakistani footballers are gradually expanding their presence across regional leagues, including those in the Maldives and Bhutan, indicating slow but steady progress.
Both players agreed that Pakistan’s qualification ambitions hinge on the development of a strong domestic structure. Ghazi emphasized that a functional league system, combined with improved training camps, is fundamental to long-term progress. He acknowledged that the current phase marks a fresh start after years of disruption, cautioning that rebuilding will take time.
However, he stressed that the quicker a domestic league is established, the sooner players will be able to regain competitive sharpness. Reflecting on the prolonged absence of organized football in the country, he remarked that a decade-long hiatus has left Pakistan significantly behind its regional counterparts.
The conversation also turned to the long-standing absence of a professional league in Pakistan. Shah described it as an urgent necessity, arguing that regular matches are vital not only for player fitness but also for overall development. He envisioned a system where local players compete alongside international professionals, similar to leagues in neighboring countries. Such integration, he said, would elevate standards on both sides. Ghazi reinforced the point, calling for a fully professional setup that benefits players, coaches, and the broader football ecosystem.
For Shah, the impact of Pakistan football’s suspension was deeply personal. Having represented the national Under-14 side in 2015, he lost what he described as his “golden period” due to nearly a decade of inactivity. Now 24, he reflected on the lost opportunities but remained optimistic about the future.
Since the revival of football activities after 2022, he has made his senior team debut and contributed to improved performances on the international stage, including competitive displays in World Cup qualifiers and strong results against regional opponents like Afghanistan.
Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, including a key match against Myanmar, Ghazi framed the moment as a significant opportunity for emerging players. With several senior and diaspora players unavailable, he believes the current squad has a chance to prove itself. The focus, he said, is not on lofty promises but on resilience and determination, approaching the game with a fighting spirit and making the most of a rare home advantage.
Beyond immediate competitions, both players highlighted the untapped potential across Pakistan, particularly in regions such as Chitral, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ghazi pointed out that while natural talent is abundant, the lack of infrastructure and grassroots development systems continues to hinder progress. Many aspiring players, he noted, are forced to relocate to urban centers for education and better opportunities, but without structured academies and early development programs, much of that talent remains underdeveloped.
The discussion also touched on football’s place within Pakistan’s sports culture, traditionally dominated by cricket. Shah acknowledged that prior to 2022, football struggled for recognition, but recent performances have begun to change perceptions. Increased crowd attendance and growing public interest, he said, signal a shift, offering hope that football can carve out a stronger presence in the national sporting landscape.
Both players concluded by reiterating the need for a comprehensive domestic league system that can nurture talent from across the country. They stressed that consistent, competitive football at home is the cornerstone of progress, not only for individual players but for the national team as a whole. Without it, they warned, Pakistan risks falling further behind, while with it, the foundations for a genuine football revival could finally be laid.