Asian Cup tie postponed because of earthquake

Next month's 2007 Asian Cup qualifier between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been postponed following the recent earthquake in the region, the Asian Football Confederation said today. The two lowest-ranked teams among the 25 countries who entered were set to meet in a two-legged playoff on 11 and 18 November to decide the 24th qualifying side.

More than 54,000 people have died and three million left homeless by the massive 8 October earthquake which devastated northern areas of Pakistan and Kashmir.

The AFC will announce new dates for the playoff next month. The top two teams from the six groups of four will qualify for the 2007 Asian Cup, joining the four co-hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.