The 1957 National Football Championship was the 8th edition of the National Football Championship, Pakistan's premier domestic football competition. It was played from 21 October till 10 November 1957, at the Dacca Stadium.
A qualifying first round was held and the winning teams would advance to the second round. Pakistan Railways, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan didn't play the first round and each received bye to each of the four second round matches.[1][2][3] Due to visa and passport difficulties of West Pakistani teams, the tournament was delayed twice and ultimately started in 21 October.[4][5] After the finalisation of the tournament, champions Punjab also played an exhibition match against the Combined XI, comprising players of rest of the teams, ending in a 2–2 draw.[6]
In the semi-finals on 3 November, local fans threw stones at referee Mahmood Shah due to his alleged controversial decisions during the match, and a brawl ensued, which resulted in seventy-seven people being injured, including fifty-four policemen.[19][20] The semi-final was eventually replayed on 5 November.[21]
The final was initially held on 8 November, but local fans packed the stadium, with some even sitting inside the playing area, causing Punjab's players to initially refuse to play. Eventually, an exhibition match was held, of 25 minutes in each half, which East Pakistan White won by 2–1.[23][24]
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Ashraf Chowdhury (East Pakistan White)