Pakistan U23 football captain Haseeb Khan suffered an injury during his side’s heavy 8–1 defeat to Iraq in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Cambodia.
The incident occurred when Haseeb collided with the goalpost during play, leaving him in visible pain. Medical staff rushed in, and after thorough evaluation, it was confirmed that although there was no fracture, the skipper sustained severe soft tissue trauma.
Dr. Adnan, who has been overseeing the team’s medical needs, stated that Haseeb will require a short recovery period. “Thankfully, it is not a fracture. With proper rest and rehabilitation, he is expected to return to competition very soon,” Dr. Adnan confirmed.
The match itself proved to be a tough outing for Pakistan. Iraq showcased their dominance throughout, sealing an emphatic 8–1 win in the Group G encounter. Despite the scoreline, Pakistan managed to register a consolation goal, but the defensive lapses and the captain’s injury added to the disappointment.
Officials, however, remain hopeful. “Insha’Allah, our captain will return stronger. The team is determined to regroup and learn from this setback,” the Pakistan Football Federation stated.
