Football is among the most popular team sports in Pakistan, together with long time number one cricket and hockey. Pakistan's current top domestic football league is the Pakistan Premier League, formed with sixteen clubs to promote football in the country. The first national league began in 2003 and was immediately recognised by the AFC as the official national football league. Football in general is run by the Pakistan Football Federation.[1][2][3][4]
History
Origins
The origin of football in Pakistan can be traced back to mid-nineteenth century when the game was introduced during the British Raj. British evangelist Theodore Leighton Pennell played a crucial role introducing football to the North-West Frontier Province in the last decade of the nineteenth century.[5] One of the regional federations to organise football in what is now Pakistan Territory was the North-West India Football Association, in which clubs from the city of Lahore and the surrounding region were active.[6]Shining Club Kohat became the first outstation team to win the North-West India Football Championship 1937 in 1937 defeating Government College Lahore 1–0 in the finals.[6] In addition a club league was organised in Lahore, won in 1936/37 by Old Boys Club.[6]
Foundation of PFF
Football in Pakistan is as old as the country itself.[7] Shortly after the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) was created, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah became its first Patron-in-Chief. PFF received recognition from FIFA in early 1948.[8] The annual National Championship was organized shortly after. In 1950, the national team gained their first international experience in Iran and Iraq. In 1954, the Pakistan National Team participated in the Asian Games at Manila and also toured the Far East. In 1958, Pakistan again took part in the Tokyo Asian Games. Pakistan also took part in the annual Asian Quadrangular Tournament.[8] However, the game could not develop as smoothly as it should have.[9]Pakistan's participation in international competitions has not been regular. The standard achieved in the early 1950s could not be maintained because of the lack of organization in the game.
PFF National Challenge Cup (1979–present): Initially named as Inter Departmental Championship, it was introduced in 1979 to offer nationwide competition to departmental selections and armed forces teams excluded from the national football league of Pakistan.[10]
International cup competitions
Quaid-e-Azam International Cup (1976–1987): Annual international football tournament held in Pakistan. The tournament was established to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
In January 2019, Atlético Madrid started Pakistan's first European football academy.[11] This pioneering initiative marked the first European football academy in the country, signifying a new era for football development. The academy, a collaboration between Atlético Madrid and Pakistani partners, aimed to not only enhance the technical skills of young footballers but also to contribute to the overall growth and professionalism of the sport in Pakistan.[12]
The academy brought a wealth of expertise from one of Europe's elite football clubs, providing Pakistani players with access to world-class coaching, training methodologies, and facilities.[13] This strategic partnership symbolised a bridge between European football standards and the enthusiasm for the game in Pakistan.[14] The presence of Atlético Madrid's academy in the country not only offered aspiring footballers unparalleled learning opportunities but also served as a catalyst for elevating the status of football in Pakistan on the international stage.[15]
Significance of Lyari in Football Development
Lyari, a neighbourhood in Karachi, holds an important place in Pakistan's football landscape due to its historical and cultural ties to the sport. Dating back several decades, Lyari has been a consistent source of football talent, contributing significantly to the national sports scene.[16] Football in Lyari is not just a pastime; it is an integral part woven in to the fabric of the community's cultural identity.[17]
One notable aspect is the nickname "Little Brazil" often associated with Lyari.[18] This moniker reflects the neighborhood's fervent passion for football, drawing parallels to the football-crazy culture of Brazil. The grassroots football culture in Lyari emphasises skill and community engagement, with local clubs and tournaments acting as catalysts for talent development.[19] The neighbourhood's narrow streets and makeshift grounds have been the breeding ground for numerous football enthusiasts who later went on to make a mark in the sport. The local murals celebrating football heroes underline the neighbourhood's commitment to the beautiful game.[18]
Lyari's football tournaments serve as important events for talent identification and community cohesion.[20] It reflects a community deeply connected to football, shaping aspirations and providing a platform for the development of local talent. The locality made news during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar for the community's love for Brazilian football and the locals gathering in front of large TV screens to watch the games together.[21]
