India and Pakistan open SAFF Championship in Dhaka, India coach ready for handshakes, shirt swaps and even hugs

The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship opens with a match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The two South Asian sides meet at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday (5 November) at 3:30pm.

At the press conference the day before the match, the captains and coaches of both teams faced many questions, especially about whether the players would shake hands or exchange shirts. Representatives of both teams gave a message of putting the game itself first, beyond political hostility.

India captain Nathan Rodrigues was asked whether he would shake hands with or swap shirts with Pakistani players before the match or after the final whistle. He replied: 'Of course, yes. It is no big issue. We will definitely do it.'

India coach Naushad Musa went a step further, saying his side were even ready to go and hug the Pakistan players if needed.

On the importance of the match, Musa said there is a difference between the current strengths of the two teams. The presence of footballers playing in various leagues has made Pakistan more competitive than before. Several of their players now play in Europe; even though they play in fourth or fifth division leagues, they have experience of international football.

Referring to India's 4-0 win over Pakistan in 2013, he said there is a big difference between the earlier Pakistan team and the current one. Just because India won 4-0 last time does not mean the same result will happen again. India are facing a completely different Pakistan team, are ready and want to win the match, he said.

Questions were also raised at the press conference about the importance India attach to the SAFF tournament. There are allegations that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) does not give SAFF much importance and has again sent a second-string team instead of a first-choice side. Musa said there is no scope to call this a second-string team. The squad combines experienced national team players with youth team players. He was in charge of the under-23 team, so he has included some players who understand his style of play. SAFF is important for India and they have come aiming to win the title, he said.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are also hopeful about their own strength and ability. Their captain believes familiarity with Bangladesh's pitches and environment will give them an added advantage. Several Pakistani footballers have experience of playing in the Bangladesh Premier League. The captain said four of their players regularly play for different clubs in Bangladesh, so adapting to the pitches and weather here will not be a problem.

Vowing to give India a tough contest, the Pakistan captain said: 'This is a special match for every player and for the team. We will try to play good football and put them under tough competition.' He also expects support from Bangladeshi spectators. Referring to his experience of playing for Brothers Union last season, he hopes Bangladesh's football lovers will stand by Pakistan this time too.

The Techno SAFF Championship 2026 is being held in Dhaka from 5 to 17 November. In the six-team tournament, India, Pakistan and the Maldives are in Group B. The top two teams in the group will reach the semi-finals.