'Nobby' Solano appointed Pak coach
Solano, 50, who also played for Aston Villa and West Ham United in the English Premier League before retiring in 2012, was an assistant coach for his country Peru when they qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
"We have hired the services of Solano with a hope that he will bring more energy and zest to the national players and lift our standings at the international level," the Pakistan Football Federation president, Mohsen Gilani, said in a statement.
The cricket-obsessed nation has reached the second round of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup only once.
Pakistan are 201st of 210 teams the in FIFA world men's team rankings, and have sought to improve standards by inducting players of Pakistan heritage based in the UK.
Pakistan football has suffered badly from political parties fighting over control of the federation, which receives a large annual grant from world governing body FIFA.
The federation was for 10 years run by a FIFA-appointed committee and earlier this year briefly suspended for political interference ahead of elections in May.
FIFA in 2021 banned Pakistan from playing international matches for 15 months, also for political interference in the federation.
Solano's first task will be with the under-23s men's team, who are due to face Cambodia, Iraq and Oman in September in qualifying for the U23 Asian Cup next year.
Solano's first matches in charge of the senior team will be a double-header against Afghanistan in 2027 Asian Cup qualifying in October.
Pakistan kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 away defeat to Syria in March and a 1-0 loss to Myanmar in Yangon last month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Express Tribune
ACC meeting ends in Dhaka, no verdict on Asia Cup
Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi is pictured with other cricket boards' representatives after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in Dhaka on Thursday. PHOTO: PCB The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) wrapped up its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday in Dhaka, with all 25 member nations in attendance. ACC President Mohsin Naqvi lauded the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for its exceptional hospitality throughout the two-day gathering. "I would like to thank the BCB for their warm hospitality and all member countries for their active participation," said Naqvi at a press conference following the meeting. Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), underscored the collective resolve of the member nations to propel Asian cricket forward. "We have decided to work together for the betterment of cricket," he affirmed. Naqvi described the AGM as both "fruitful and memorable," indicating productive outcomes and a positive collaborative spirit among the participating nations. "These two days were truly memorable. No one wants politics involved — the meeting was held in a very positive environment." Regarding the Asia Cup 2025, Naqvi assured that a final decision will be made soon, adding that discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are ongoing. "A decision regarding the Asia Cup will be announced shortly," he stated. "Talks with the Indian Cricket Board are ongoing, and we're optimistic everything will be resolved in due course." Responding to concerns about the absence of certain individuals, Naqvi clarified that while not everyone could attend in person, every member board was represented. "Some people couldn't make it to Dhaka — that happens. I myself missed a meeting in Singapore once. Sometimes it's due to scheduling conflicts, but the important thing is that all member boards were represented." Stressing the importance of unity and collaboration, Naqvi highlighted the collective responsibility of working for the growth of cricket in the region. "This is a team effort, and we will continue to hold such meetings in the future," he added. He also confirmed that discussions with the Bangladesh Board on several matters are underway. "Please wait for the official announcement," he concluded.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Rashford joins Barca on loan from Man United
Barcelona's new signing Marcus Rashford poses with his shirt during the presentation. Photo: REUTERS Spanish champions Barcelona loaned Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford on Wednesday with a future purchase option. "Barcelona and Manchester United have reached a deal for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until June 30, 2026," announced the La Liga champions in a statement. "The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward." Barcelona are paying around 75 percent of Rashford's £325,000-a-week wage ($435,000) while he is at the club, with the player foregoing the rest, according to Spanish reports. The 27-year-old England international was out of favour under Man United coach Ruben Amorim and spent the final months of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa. Rashford, who made his United debut in 2015, became an outcast at Old Trafford, with Amorim publically doubting his commitment and desire. In May Barca coach Hansi Flick said Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz were "fantastic players" amid transfer links to both, with the club keen to reinforce on the left flank. Last season the Catalans were irresistible in attack, winning a domestic treble, but had little in the way of back up for key wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Rashford could also offer cover for veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August. Barcelona had hoped to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams to play on the left wing but the Spaniard signed a new deal at the San Mames. Rashford, who came through Manchester United's academy, last played for the Premier League club in December, scoring 138 goals in 426 appearances for the Red Devils. At Aston Villa he managed four goals in 17 games before a hamstring injury cut his season short in April. Rashford was criticised by former Manchester United great Teddy Sheringham after trying to make the Barcelona switch happen in recent weeks. "From my perspective, if you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that's a step up that he hasn't deserved," Sheringham told SkyBet. Manchester United want to move on several more players this summer, including Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho. Barcelona had trouble registering signings last season with La Liga, including midfielder Dani Olmo, and according to reports may need to find ways to balance the books before registering Rashford and their first summer arrival, goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Few British players have joined Barcelona since the 1980s, when Gary Lineker, Steve Archibald and Mark Hughes all played for the club. Current Bristol City midfielder Marcus McGuane signed for Barcelona's reserve side in 2018, appearing once for the first team as a substitute in the Catalan Super Cup, before leaving in 2019 on loan to Telstar and eventually joining Nottingham Forest. In the summer of 2019 Louie Barry moved to Barca's youth academy from West Bromwich Albion but departed for Aston Villa in January 2020.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Show unity, Naqvi urges ACC members
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday called on all member boards to put political differences aside and work collectively for the development and strengthening of cricket across the continent. Speaking at an event in Dhaka during the ACC annual meeting, Naqvi emphasised the need for unity, stating that the future of Asian cricket depends on cooperation and mutual support among its stakeholders. "We need to work as a team for the growth of cricket. Political differences should not come in the way of the sport's progress. This is a cricket family, and we need to support each other to achieve success," Naqvi said. The ACC chief highlighted that improving the competitive strength of teams in the region is essential for boosting the market value of Asian cricket. "Stronger teams will lead to better contests, and better contests will create a stronger market. We need to explore ways to make the ACC more robust and help our associate members," Naqvi noted. Naqvi stressed that the council's efforts should focus on ensuring that all member boards develop competitive teams, which would pave the way for high-quality tournaments and greater commercial opportunities. He also extended his gratitude to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for hosting the ACC meeting, acknowledging their role in organising the event successfully. "This meeting would not have been possible without the support of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. I congratulate them on the successful organisation and thank all the board members who traveled to Dhaka to attend. "I am hopeful that we will continue to work together for the betterment of cricket," he concluded.
