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Arif Mehmood
In a major set-back for the Pakistani football team’s tour of England, star forward Arif Mehmood has been ruled out of the tour due to back injury. The series, named “Clash of the Titans” will witness India and Pakistan battling out over a three match series to be played in three venues from August 27 to September 9.
Mehmood picked up the injury during the World Cup Qualifying preparatory camp. Despite being advised rest, the top scorer of the Pakistan Premier Football League kept on playing and aggravated his injury.
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“I picked up the injury during our camp. I haven’t played for a month and I’ve been advised to rest for five more weeks. It’s a blow because I wanted to play in England, which could’ve provided me with a chance to sign up for a foreign league,”
Dejected on missing the high profile tour of England, which could change the dimension of football in India and Pakistan, the Wapda forward has himself to blame for his aggravated injury. “I think my injury was worsened as I kept on playing despite the pain, instead of taking a break.”
Meanwhile the Pakistani Football Federation has come under severe criticism from former players and critics over the team selection procedures, questioning the inclusion of foreigners in the squad that will face India in England.
Moreover the federation is also in fix about appointing a Coach for the series, following the team’s dismal performance in World Cup Qualifiers under Tariq Lutfi. Pakistan were thrashed by Bangladesh in both the legs in the first round of of the World Cup qualifier in Lahore and Dhaka.
Former international and captain Ali Nawaz talked about the importance of this series for Pakistani football, as a good performance against India would raise the profile of the sport in the country.
“It is a series of great importance for Pakistan football and the players. I just hope they are well prepared for the matches,” he said.
In another incident involving India and Pakistan in football, Pakistan U-16 team defeated India U-16 team in the ongoing SAFF U-16 Championship in Kathmandu. Mansoor Khan scored for Pakistan in the 20th minute.
