India, Pakistan promise football without friction

India and Pakistan will renew their fierce football rivalry in Dhaka on Thursday, but both camps are determined to keep politics out of the contest. Ahead of their SAFF Championship opener, coaches and captains from both sides have made it clear that while neither team will give an inch on the pitch, there will be no hesitation in shaking hands, exchanging shirts or even embracing after the final whistle.

The two South Asian rivals will meet in the opening match of the six-team tournament at the National Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30pm. India, the record nine-time champions and defending title-holders, will be looking for a winning start, while Pakistan will be eager to upset their neighbours and chase their first SAFF crown.

Political tensions have restricted bilateral sporting ties between the two countries for years, forcing them to meet at neutral venues in several sports. Their cricket rivalry, in particular, has often been overshadowed by controversies over handshakes. But the message from the football camps ahead of Thursday's showdown was markedly different.

At Wednesday's pre-match press conference, India coach Naushad Moosa was asked whether his players would shake hands with their Pakistani opponents or exchange shirts after the match.

"Of course, we will do that. We would even hug them if necessary," he said.

India captain Nathan Rodriguez also dismissed suggestions that the occasion would bring extra pressure on his team.

"There is no pressure here. Rather, it is motivation to give our best and put everything on the pitch. Hopefully, we can leave the field with a good result," he said.

India's historical dominance over Pakistan is reflected in their head-to-head record. Since 1953, the two sides have met 25 times in different competitions, with India winning 16 matches and Pakistan claiming two victories. Seven encounters ended in draws.

Their SAFF record is similarly one-sided. In nine previous meetings, India have won seven, Pakistan once, in 2003, while their first meeting in the competition ended in a 1-1 draw in 1993.

Despite India's advantage, Moosa is wary of Pakistan, pointing to their players competing in European leagues. India have also arrived with a relatively inexperienced squad, with several senior players away in New Zealand for friendly matches and the Indian Super League limiting their options.

"I have brought a young team. To be honest, I am not really worried about defending the title. I just want to play good football. If the team plays well, the results will follow," Moosa said.

He explained that the New Zealand tour had been planned well in advance and that the SAFF Championship falls outside a FIFA international window. However, he insisted India were taking the competition seriously.

Pakistan coach Titus Bramble said logistical problems had delayed their arrival in Dhaka, but a good training camp at home had left his team ready for the challenge.

Captain Alamgir Ghazi also expressed confidence, while hoping for support from Bangladeshi fans, having played for Brothers Union last season.

"I hope the Bangladeshi people will support Pakistan against India as well," he said.

On the handshake issue, Alamgir echoed the Indian camp's position.

"The same applies to us. This is not cricket, it is football. That is what makes the game so beautiful. We will do the same," he said.

Pakistan will be without several expatriate players initially. They could join the squad if the team reach the semi-finals, according to the captain and coaching staff.

India and Pakistan are drawn in Group B alongside the Maldives. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals on 14 November, with the final scheduled for 17 November.