SAFF Championship: India set to renew rivalry with Pakistan after 5 years

A match between India and Pakistan always delivers! Usually the 2 nations lock horns with each other in the middle of a circular ground but today a heavy battle inside a Football pitch is on the cards. The Blue tigers will go against the Men in Green for the first time since 2018 in the SAFF Championship 2023.

Its been more than 4 years since India and Pakistan last met in a rectangular ground. A new chapter will be added to this unparalleled rivalry tonight at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The hosts are riding high on momentum after clinching the Intercontinental cup last Sunday.

Pakistan finally reach Bengaluru after numerous delays, split connecting flights. SAFF declines PFF request to reschedule today's India vs Pakistan match. https://t.co/Q18jm0c6CR

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) June 21, 2023

India scored twice against Lebanon as goals from Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte were enough to seal the victory. 3 days later India are preparing to take on their biggest rivals in a tournament which has been their own since its inception.

The Blue Tigers have won the SAFF Championship more than any other nation. They will be aiming to land their 9th South Asian title. On their way, India will face Pakistan, Nepal, Kuwait, Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. During the previous edition in 2021 at Maldives, India blanked Nepal 3-0 to become 8-time SAFF Champions.

Sunil Chhetri’s side will start their journey against Pakistan at Bengaluru FC’s home. The 2 teams are miles off from each other in the FIFA rankings with India at 97 and Pakistan at 195. Though it looks easy for India (on paper), head coach Igor Stimac has warned his side about a possible surprise from their arch rivals.

Igor Stimac's remarks on Pakistan team ahead of India vs Pakistan clash at SAFF Championship@stimac_igor @IndianFootball #SAFFChampionship2023 #INDvsPAK #SAFF2023 #SAFFChampionship #IndianFootball #PakistanFootball pic.twitter.com/lgE3UCdBek

— nnis (@nnis_sports) June 20, 2023

“Forget about the Fifa rankings! All the teams in our group and in general in the tournament are very special. All four teams are quite efficient and can produce different kinds of football. The crowd will love it as there will be a lot of goals. We have a very serious group and some tough opponents.” – Stimac said. 

IND Vs PAK Head-to-Head record ahead of SAFF Championship meeting

Pakistan – 1 v India – 3 (International Friendly)-23 Mar 2011

India – 1 v Pakistan – 0 (SAFF) Championship-01 Sep 2013

India – 0 v Pakistan – 2 (International Friendly)-August 20, 2014

India – 1 v Pakistan 0 (International Friendly)- August 17, 2014

India – 3 v Pakistan – 1 (SAFF) Championship-12 Sep 2018

India vs Pakistan: Overall head-to-head record*

Games played – 26

India wins – 13

Draws – 10

Where to watch India Vs Pakistan SAFF Championship match live?

You can catch all the live action on Star Sports network on TV while Fancode will stream the match live on Mobile.