Zesh Rehman, one of the four foreign based Pakistan players has been forced to withdraw from the Pakistan squad, after failing to overcome a bout of food poisoning. Zesh Rehman who arrived late compared to the rest of Pakistan squad was left out of last night’s match against Maldives because of food poisoning and dehydration.

The 24 year-old was due to skipper his country in the prestigious South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup in the Maldives, but his dream has been shattered.

Speaking to his club’s website prior to his return to England later today, Rehman expressed his disappointment, commenting: "I'm absolutely gutted.

"I don't feel well enough and the doctors don't think I'll make a full recovery in time to feature in the latter stages of the tournament.

"I was looking forward to leading my country out, but these things happen and I'll just have to rest up and pick myself up."