THE Football World Cup held every four years is one of sports’ greatest events. The recently concluded edition held in Brazil was no exception.

This event is a great chance for the participating countries to introduce their nation to the world and display their national colors. As a patriotic Pakistani, I wonder why Pakistan is so low in FIFA rankings. Is there a chance in the near future of our country making it to the 32 teams contesting for the World Cup? Can officials of the Pakistan Football Federation answer the following queries:

a) Is there lack of football talent in our country or lack of infrastructure for the development and the patronisation of football as is available for cricket and to some extent hockey?

b) Will Pakistan play any of the qualifying tournaments for the next World Cup to be held in Russia in 2018 and what is the road map for any Asian country to qualify for the World Cup?

c) What are the prospects of Pakistan appearing in any world cup finals and where does Pakistan stand in terms of ranking amongst the Asian countries?

Aijaz A. Khan

Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2014