Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi on Friday said that he is eager to see Pakistan play their home leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Cambodia in Pakistan.
Pakistan are scheduled to face Cambodia in their home leg on October 17. Before that, on October 12, the away leg will be held in Cambodia.
"I would love to see Pakistan football team play home leg against Cambodia in Pakistan," Afridi tweeted on Friday. "I will be happy to extend my support in making this happen."
It must be noted that the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee has started inspecting various venues in order to finalise the most appropriate stadium where the nation will host Cambodia.
Lahore’s Punjab Stadium and Jinnah Stadium Islamabad are the top two options that are on the radar of the PFF NC, which will need to submit the final venue with FIFA by August 18.
Sources said that efforts are also being made to look whether Peoples Sports Complex Karachi and KPT Stadium Karachi could be utilised for the purpose. The Peoples Sports Complex, located at Lyari, is not in a good position to host such a high-profile game. It can be utilised if the Sindh government takes an initiative to start its renovation with intensity from now.
Lahore’s Punjab Stadium houses the province’s sports secretariat and the government authorities will need to vacate a handful of rooms that will be used by the players and technical officials during the showpiece.
Jinnah Stadium Islamabad could be an option but it will be difficult for the crowd to go there and witness their team battling Cambodia in the most vital event.