India Face Accommodation Crisis Upon Arrival in Dhaka for SAFF Championship

The Indian men’s football team experienced a turbulent start to their SAFF Championship campaign after arriving in Dhaka on Tuesday to find that no hotel accommodation had been secured for the squad. The team, which is preparing for a high-profile opening clash against Pakistan this Thursday, was left stranded without lodging shortly after landing in the Bangladeshi capital.

The contingent touched down in Dhaka at approximately 2:15 pm following a minor travel delay. Upon arrival, the players and staff were directed to a private hotel located on Gulshan Avenue. However, the squad discovered that no bookings had been made on their behalf, leaving the team without a place to stay as of 5 pm IST. An official source indicated that alternative arrangements were being pursued, expressing hope that the situation would be resolved promptly.

The squad for the SAFF tournament, which is being overseen by Under-23 head coach Naushad Moosa, has faced further complications due to player availability. Several clubs declined to release key personnel for the opening match, as the fixture falls outside the designated FIFA international window. The team’s preparation was further fragmented, with only 15 of the 28 squad members participating in a training session in Kolkata on Monday, while three additional players joined the group just before the flight to Dhaka.

Despite the off-field distractions, the focus remains on the opening match against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The game is slated for a 3 pm IST kick-off, marking a significant test for the reshuffled Indian side as they look to defend their record of nine tournament titles.