Pakistan Captain Abdullah Iqbal: Diamond Jubilee Tournament Ideal Preparation for SAFF Championship

Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal says the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Maldives will provide the perfect preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship, as the Green Shirts gear up for a busy period of international football.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Pakistan skipper said he was delighted to be in the Maldives and excited about the challenge ahead.

“It’s great fixtures for us to prepare for the SAFF Championship, which is coming up. Very pleased to be here,”

Pakistan arrived in Maldives this week for the four-nation Diamond Jubilee Tournament, where they will face Maldives, Bangladesh and Afghanistan between June 1 and June 10.

Iqbal, who currently plays for Swedish top-flight side Mjällby, comes into the tournament in strong form after recently helping his club win the Swedish Cup.

The 23-year-old defender has become one of the key figures in Pakistan’s national team setup and is expected to play a major leadership role during the tournament in Male.

The Diamond Jubilee Tournament is being held to celebrate 75 years of Maldivian football and is also seen as an important build-up event ahead of the SAFF Championship later this year.