Sports Desk:

Afghanistan’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Myanmar, originally scheduled to take place in Dhaka on 18 November, is now in jeopardy after Myanmar refused to travel to Bangladesh. The decision has also forced the cancellation of Afghanistan’s planned friendly match against Bangladesh, which was set for 13 November.

According to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), all arrangements for both fixtures had been finalised. However, the situation changed abruptly when Myanmar informed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that it would not play against Afghanistan in Bangladesh. The reasons behind Myanmar’s refusal have not been made public, but officials confirmed that both Afghanistan and the AFC are now looking for an alternative venue.

The AFC website had already listed the Afghanistan–Myanmar qualifier at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka. The sudden change has sparked questions within the football community, especially since a senior official from Myanmar currently holds the position of AFC Senior Vice-President. Some in the local football scene are now questioning whether that influence played a role in the venue’s reconsideration.

The cancellation is a setback for Bangladesh’s preparation plans ahead of their own AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against India on 18 November in Dhaka. With Afghanistan now out of the picture, BFF has opened discussions with Nepal as a potential replacement opponent. Nepal, who are due to play their home qualifier in Kuala Lumpur due to venue issues, might make a brief stop in Dhaka before heading to Malaysia.

Despite the confusion, neither Afghanistan nor Myanmar has issued an official statement confirming the cancellation. Both federations have remained silent on their websites and social media channels. The AFC has also yet to release any clarification regarding the change.

BFF officials had previously expressed excitement about hosting two AFC Qualifier fixtures on the same day Bangladesh vs India and Afghanistan vs Myanmar both in Dhaka. That enthusiasm has now been replaced by uncertainty.

While the Bangladesh federation holds no direct responsibility for the current impasse, the silence from all parties involved has left the situation unresolved. For now, it seems almost certain that the Afghanistan–Myanmar fixture will not take place in Dhaka, forcing BFF to focus on securing a new opponent to fill the gap in the November international window.