Pakistan Football Eyes Fresh Start with October Challenge Cup

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is reportedly set to revive domestic competitions, with its flagship tournament, the National Challenge Cup, likely to get the initial nod for a window between October 15 and 30 in Multan, as the federation looks to balance the calendar amid a hectic run of international fixtures.

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According to Nukta, a senior PFF official has confirmed the tentative plan, stressing the need to wrap up the competition by the end of October.

Pakistan is set to face Syria in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, on November 18, leaving little room for delays. Before that, the men’s national team will play back-to-back qualifiers against Afghanistan on October 9 (away) and October 14 (home). With the squad fully occupied during that period, the Challenge Cup will only be possible once those matches conclude.

A circular inviting entries from all participating units is expected soon, giving departments and clubs time to mobilize their squads.

WAPDA are the current holders of the Challenge Cup after edging SA Gardens 1–0 in the 2022–23 final at Jinnah Stadium. The bigger question, however, is how many traditional departmental powerhouses—long dormant due to Pakistan’s administrative turmoil in football—will return to the fold.

Institutions such as National Bank, PIA, K‑Electric, CAA, SSGC, SNGPL, and KPT have all been urged by the Prime Minister’s office to revive their sports teams. Alongside regulars like WAPDA, KRL, and the armed forces, their participation could mark the beginning of a more vibrant domestic calendar after years of stagnation.

The Challenge Cup will also double as a talent hunt for newly appointed head coach Nolberto Solano, who is eager to identify domestic players for upcoming assignments.

Pakistan’s football has endured a decade marred by factional disputes and international suspensions. Domestic competitions were scarce, and even during the five-year tenure of the FIFA‑appointed Normalisation Committee, the game struggled for stability. The new PFF administration is hoping to remedy this situation.

The National Challenge Cup remains Pakistan’s second‑most prestigious competition after the Pakistan Premier League, which the PFF plans to relaunch later this year or early next. With the domestic structure finally showing signs of revival, October’s Challenge Cup could be a defining moment for the future of Pakistani football.

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