Bengaluru: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will send its senior team to New Zealand for two friendlies against the World Cuppers, while an under-23 or a squad comprising of reserves will be entrusted with the task of defending the SAFF Championship title in Dhaka next month.The SAFF Championship has been scheduled for Nov 4 to 17. The FIFA international match window, however, only starts from Nov 7.“(Coach) Khalid (Jamil) feels it’s best for India to play stronger opponents like New Zealand who took part in the World Cup this year,” a senior AIFF official told TOI on Friday. “The coach is building a new squad with younger players. It’s important that there is continuity.”The SAFF Championship was earlier scheduled to be played during the Sept 21-Oct 6 window where countries are allowed to play a maximum of four games. However, with India showing interest in the first FIFA ASEAN Cup, the organisers were forced to postpone their showpiece event.India eventually pulled out of the ASEAN Cup for three high-profile friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.“When the friendlies against teams that played at the FIFA World Cup was offered, I agreed with the federation decision,” said Jamil. “For the next window in November, there are two options. I have told AIFF that we must send our best team to New Zealand. I can’t afford to be selfish (and play weaker opponents). We have to do what is good for Indian football.”India are defending champions at the SAFF Championship, having won the tournament at home in 2023. It was among the better performances in recent times as Igor Stimac’s side put it across Lebanon in the semifinals and upset Kuwait in a memorable final at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.Even at a poor 138, India still remain the highest-ranked side in South Asia.Chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title, India will begin their campaign against Maldives on Nov 5 before taking on Pakistan on Nov 11, with the top two teams making it to the knockout stage. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are placed in the other group.
