India-Pakistan tie to kick off SAFF Championship in Dhaka

Defending champions India will take on Pakistan in the opening match of the SAFF Championship, which will kick off in Dhaka on November 5.

The fixtures for the regional football competition were released today. Hosts Bangladesh will face Bhutan in the second match of the opening day.

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The six-team tournament will have three matchdays in the group stage, with two matches scheduled on each matchday.

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Bangladesh will play their second and final group match against Sri Lanka on November 11. Group A comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka while Group B features India, Pakistan and the Maldives.

Nepal are not included in the fixture due to their FIFA ban. However, if Nepal's FIFA membership is reinstated in time, SAFF said a revised fixture will be released.

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Photo: Star File/Firoz Ahmed

According to the fixture, the two semifinals will be played on November 14, with the final scheduled for November 17.

All matches will be held at the National Stadium in Dhaka.