Concerns Arise Over Condition of Jinnah Stadium for Pakistan vs. Jordan World Cup Qualifier
Pakistan is scheduled to play Jordon at Home on March 21st.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Pakistan and Jordan scheduled for March 21 at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, concerns have surfaced regarding the ground's suitability due to its current hosting of the 43rd National Kabaddi Championship.
Footage circulating on social media reveals the impact of kabaddi matches on the football field, raising worries among football enthusiasts. Visible holes in the ground have prompted concerns about the playing surface, which organizers plan to address by filling them before the scheduled football match.
The responsibility for Jinnah Stadium shifted to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) after the 18th Amendment to Pakistan's Constitution, transferring it from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). Renovation and upgrading the stadium to international standards, as mandated by FIFA, now fall under the purview of the PSB.
Notably, the stadium in the capital lacks adequate lighting to host night matches, a requirement set by FIFA for international competitions. Haroon Malik, Chairperson of the PFF Normalization Committee, has sought extensions from FIFA and AFC to facilitate the Pakistan vs. Jordan match on home soil.
As the football community watches developments closely, there is a shared hope that necessary measures will be taken to ensure a suitable and safe playing environment for this crucial World Cup qualifier.
