The upcoming Pakistan football team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Jordan, scheduled for March 21 at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, is facing concerns due to the ongoing 43rd National Kabaddi Championship being held at the venue.
Footage circulating on social media reveals the current condition of the football ground, which has been utilized for kabaddi matches, resulting in significant damage to the pitch. Holes have been dug on the ground, raising worries about its suitability for the upcoming football match.
Since the 18th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution, the responsibility for managing Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad has shifted to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). It is now imperative for the PSB to renovate and upgrade the stadium to meet international standards, particularly those set by FIFA.
The stadium in the capital city already lacks adequate lighting facilities to host night matches, a requirement specified by FIFA. Haroon Malik, the Chairperson of PFF’s Normalization Committee, has sought multiple extensions from FIFA and AFC to prepare the Jinnah Stadium for the Pakistan-Jordan match.
However, there hasn’t been any update from the PSB regarding the possibility of hosting the match at night. The situation underscores the urgency for authorities to address the stadium’s shortcomings and ensure that it meets the necessary standards for international football matches.