The hosts Bangladesh will begin its SAFF Championship campaign against Bhutan on November 5, according to the tournament schedule. The tournament is returning to Bangladesh after eight years.

The match will kick off at 8 pm at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Earlier that day, India and Pakistan, the two arch-rivals, will face each other in a Group B match at 3:30 pm.

Bangladesh will play their second match on November 11, taking on Sri Lanka at 8 pm. In the other Group A match, Sri Lanka will face Bhutan on November 8. All Group A matches will be played at the National Stadium.

Group B features defending champions India, along with the Maldives and Pakistan. Pakistan will play the Maldives on November 8, while India will face the Maldives on November 11.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The two semi-finals will be held on November 14. The first match will kick off at 3 pm and the second at 8:30 pm. The final will be played at 8 pm on November 17.

But the published schedule is not yet final. Nepal were not included in the draw held in August because of a FIFA suspension. If the suspension is lifted by September 30, Nepal will also be able to participate in the tournament. In that case, Nepal will be added to Bangladesh’s group, a revised schedule will be published, and the tournament will begin on November 4.

Bangladesh last won the SAFF Championship title on home soil in 2003.