India will kick off their South Asian
The current roster consists of only 18 players who traveled from Kolkata, with the remaining 10 members of the 28-man squad expected to join the group once the FIFA international window officially opens on November 9. The decision to field a developmental side stems from the senior team's upcoming international friendlies against New Zealand, scheduled for November 12 and 15, as well as the reluctance of Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to release players for matches falling outside the designated FIFA window.
Tournament Context and Coaching Leadership
Under the guidance of U-23 national team head coach
The tournament structure sees six teams competing, with India placed in Group B alongside the Maldives. The top two finishers from each group will progress to the semifinals on November 14, with the final set to take place on November 17. Following the opener against Pakistan, India is scheduled to face the Maldives on November 11 at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Historical Rivalry and Recent Form
While India has historically dominated this fixture—winning seven of the last 10 encounters since the turn of the millennium—the current circumstances suggest a more unpredictable contest. In their most recent meeting during the 2023 edition in Bengaluru, India secured a convincing 4-0 victory, highlighted by a hat-trick from Sunil Chhetri.
Pakistan, meanwhile, enters the match under the leadership of former Peruvian international Nolberto Solano. Having bolstered their ranks with the inclusion of Danish-born captain Abdullah Iqbal, who plays professionally in Sweden for Mjallby AIF, Pakistan is aiming to reach the tournament final for the first time. Although they struggled in their recent ASEAN Cup outings, Solano’s side has shown signs of improvement, recording two wins and a draw in their last five matches. With India operating at less than full strength, the opening clash in Dhaka serves as a critical test for both sides.
