Pakistan may miss World Cup Qualifiers game due to flight issue [The News]

LAHORE: Pakistan’s football team failed to proceed to Tajikistan after its flight was cancelled on Friday. National team had to fly out of Faisalabad for Dushanbe on Friday.

However, the flight’s departure got delayed twice before it was cancelled. Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee approached PIA for a chartered flight to take the team to Tajikistan.

Sources said that PIA refused to provide a plane to the team as according to it all its jets were booked already. Tajikistan team also came to Pakistan last November via a chartered flight.

There is no direct flight from Pakistan. NC spokesperson said that NC has also approached another airline.

Pakistan are to face Tajikistan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group G last game at Dushanbe on June 11.

Sources said that eight members of the Pakistan team have already reached Dushanbe.

Published in The News, 9 June 2024

Pakistan National Football team faces travel disruption

PFF Press Release: Islamabad – June 8, 2024

The Pakistan National Football Team is set to play its final away match of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier Round 2 against Tajikistan on June 11 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. However, the team’s travel schedule has faced significant disruptions due to unforeseen circumstances.

A private airline flight, initially scheduled to transport the team, was canceled following a bird strike incident, causing two delays before the eventual cancellation. As a result, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has reached out to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for a chartered flight. Despite ongoing communications, the PFF has yet to receive a positive response from PIA authorities.

Currently, 8 out of the 35-member squad have arrived in Tajikistan. The remaining members are in limbo, as efforts to secure either a commercial or chartered flight continue. The PFF is trying its best to facilitate the travel of the remaining squad members to ensure they reach Tajikistan in time for the crucial match.

The PFF remains committed to overcoming these challenges and is exploring all possible avenues to ensure the smooth travel of the player