XtraTime Web Desk: A new drama in the ongoing India-Pakistan turmoil as Pakistan has officially withdrawn its name from the Group F of the 2020 AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers, which includes India, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. As a result, the number of teams participating in Group F has reduced to three. The Group F Qualifiers fixtures will commence from March 22.
The draw for the AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers was conducted on 7 November 2018 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, and India were placed in the same group as that of Pakistan. While Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and India’s preparations began in full swing, neighbours Pakistan showed no signs of urgency.
Moreover, according to various reports, the All India Football Federation had thrown the ball in the Centre’s court on whether or not to face Pakistan given the tense political situation both the countries were embroiled in. But, now that the 199th ranked nation has withdrawn themselves, India can breathe a sigh of relief.
Tajikistan Football Federation announced that their team would not face Pakistan in the AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers via their official Twitter account. Although India and Uzbekistan are yet to confirm the development, one can deduce that Pakistan didn’t specifically withhold themselves from facing Tajikistan. They would have withdrawn their name from the whole competition itself.