Afghan Players Reportedly Sledged Pakistan's Young Footballer

The Pakistan football team seems to have hit the jackpot with one of its youngest diaspora players, Ahmed Faraz Gulzari — but the youngster’s foray into the international arena hasn’t been easy.

The 17-year-old, who recently made his debut for Pakistan, has revealed that he was sledged by Afghan players during their Asian Cup Qualifiers for choosing to represent Pakistan over Afghanistan.

Gulzari qualified to play for both nations, as his grandfather had immigrated to Quetta, where he was born. Despite interest from Afghanistan, he chose Pakistan instantly after Nolberto Solano approached him as part of his campaign to recruit more diaspora talent for the national team.

Ironically, Ahmed Faraz Gulzari’s debut came against Afghanistan — and he was one of Pakistan’s standout performers despite his age and the occasion. He also featured in the return leg in Kuwait and now looks set to be part of Pakistan football’s future for years to come.

“Some said, ‘Why are you playing for Pakistan? You don’t even speak Urdu; you speak Farsi like us.’ I replied, ‘But I am Pakistani,’” Gulzari shared.

In a sport often defined by rivalries, his statement — “But I am Pakistani” — has become one of the most defining lines in recent Pakistan football history. Fans will be hoping the youngster continues to wear the national shirt with pride.

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