Bangladesh have been placed in Group A with Bhutan and Sri Lanka for the SAFF Men’s Championship after the draw was held on Saturday in Thimphu, Bhutan.
The tournament will be played in Bangladesh from November 4 to 17.
Nepal were left out of the draw because of a FIFA suspension. However, they could still join Group A if the suspension is lifted before September. That would make it a four team group. The top two teams would then reach the semifinals. If the suspension remains, the group will stay with three teams.
Group B features India, Pakistan and the Maldives. The long time rivals India and Pakistan will meet in the group stage. The top two teams from the group will also qualify for the semifinals.
Bangladesh last lifted the SAFF Championship trophy in 2003. The team returned to the semifinals in the 2023 edition in India after a long gap.
This will also be Bangladesh’s first time hosting the SAFF Championship since 2018.
