Five Pakistan MNT internationals officially joined Brothers Union FC of the Bangladesh Football League. The players will take part in the remainder of the BFL season when it resumes this weekend following a break due to Bangladesh national elections.
Right back Rao Umar Hayat, midfielders Alamgir Ghazi and Hayyaan Khattak, defender Syed Abdullah Shah and winger Shayek Dost had been signed by Brothers Union in previous weeks but were officially unveiled by the club upon their arrival in Pakistan.
Following the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) directive from last years allowing SAFF clubs to register players from other SAFF member nations as ‘locals’ and bypass the foreigner player registration limits, Pakistani players suddenly became available on the market. Their performances with the Pakistan MNT over the years had gained them enough admirers across SAFF nations.
Umar Hayat and Shayek Dost were part of the WAPDA squad that won the 2026 National Challenge Cup in February while Alamgir Ghazi had a solid season with Thimphu City in the 2025 Bhutan Premier League. Hayyaan Khattak starred for Mamsons (POPO FC) in the National Challenge Cup as they reached the quarterfinals.
Brothers Union are currently 7th with 9 points from 9 games in the 10-team BFL as they look to improve their results and avoid relegation in the second half of the season. They have already signed veteran Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan to improve their results.
Another BFL club, PWD Sports Club, have signed Pakistan midfielder Ali Uzair Gujjar and goalkeeper Usman Khan to boost their ranks as they look to survive relegation.
It remains to be seen how this influx of Pakistani footballers in Bangladeshi clubs after several decades will impact their results and performances. Nonetheless, with no domestic league on the horizon in Pakistan, availing the Bangladesh Football League opportunity is surely a godsend.