Brothers Union Secure Quintet of Pakistani Internationals

In a move that signals a historic shift in the landscape of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), legendary club Brothers Union has confirmed the signing of five Pakistani international footballers for the second phase of the season. This acquisition marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time since the late 1970s that Pakistani players will feature prominently in Bangladesh’s top-flight domestic football.

A Strategic Recruitment Drive

While the first phase of the league saw twelve players from SAARC nations—including Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka—competing under local quota rules, Pakistan was notably unrepresented. However, the mid-season transfer window, which concluded on 31 January, has drastically altered that dynamic. Seven Pakistani players have now been confirmed for the second half of the season, with five heading to the Oranges of Gopibagh.

Amer Khan, the manager of Brothers Union, explained the rationale behind this targeted recruitment. He noted that securing high-calibre Bangladeshi internationals was difficult due to existing contracts and prohibitive salary demands.

“The remuneration for Pakistani players is notably more competitive than that of our local national stars,” Khan stated. “Furthermore, we believed that rather than recruiting isolated individuals from various nations, signing five players who already share a national team chemistry would provide us with a tactical advantage.”

The New Recruits: International Pedigree

The five players arriving at Brothers Union are seasoned members of the Pakistan National Team. Their collective experience is expected to bolster a side looking to improve its standing in the latter half of the campaign.

Beyond the SAARC quintet, Brothers Union has fortified their squad with three Guinean players and one Nigerian, whilst retaining a Senegalese defender from the first leg. Under current regulations, SAARC players do not count toward the foreign player quota, effectively allowing Brothers Union to field a “de facto” squad of ten international athletes.

Historical Context and PWD’s Ambition

The influx of Pakistani talent is not limited to Brothers Union. PWD Sports Club has also secured two players: 21-year-old goalkeeper Usman Ali (U-23) and 29-year-old midfielder Ali Uzair (21 caps).

Veteran coach and former Mohammadan star Golam Sarwar Tipu recalled that the last major Pakistani presence in Dhaka football dates back to 1977, when players like “Kala” Gafur, Fazl, and Ashiq donned the black-and-white jersey. Since the 1980s, the pipeline had remained virtually dry—until now.

The second phase of the league is scheduled to commence on 12 February, following the conclusion of the National Elections.