SAFF Cup rocked by hotel chaos ahead of kick-off

The SAFF Cup 2026 is set to begin in Dhaka on Thursday, but accommodation-related problems have raised concerns over the tournament’s organisational arrangements, with Pakistan and India both facing hotel-related difficulties.

Pakistan’s hotel was changed shortly before the national squad departed for Dhaka on Tuesday. The team, led by head coach Nolberto Solano, arrived in the Bangladeshi capital early Wednesday after travelling through Qatar.

The last-minute change has raised questions about the team’s preparations ahead of its opening match against arch-rivals India. Pakistan will need to adjust quickly following the lengthy journey as they prepare for the high-profile encounter.

India also reportedly experienced accommodation difficulties after arriving in Dhaka. The team was initially directed to a private hotel on Gulshan Avenue, but players discovered that rooms had not been allocated upon arrival. Reports indicated that the squad waited several hours before alternative accommodation was arranged.

The reported incidents have attracted attention on social media, with concerns emerging over the arrangements made for participating teams. SAFF officials have yet to publicly respond to the concerns.

Pakistan head coach Solano has identified India and Maldives as the two immediate challenges for his side, stressing the importance of approaching every match with determination.

He also compared the intensity of Pakistan-India football encounters to the rivalry between Peru and Chile, highlighting the passion surrounding such fixtures.

Pakistan, India and Maldives are placed in Group B, while hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan form Group A. Nepal will miss the six-team competition due to suspension.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on November 14, with the final scheduled for November 17.

India enter the tournament as defending champions and the most successful side in SAFF Cup history, having secured the title nine times. Pakistan, meanwhile, are still searching for their first championship, with their best finish being third place in 1997.