[1][2] India are the defending champions, who won their second title in 2022 by defeating Bangladesh in the final on 5 August 2022.

[3][4] On 22 July 2023, SAFF announced the tournament will be held at the Dasharath Rangasala in Kathmandu, Nepal.

[1][2] Sri Lanka are ineligible for participation as they are suspended by FIFA.

The draw was held in BFF House in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 22 July 2023 at 12:00 BST (UTC+6).

[6] Players born on or after 1 January 2005 are eligible to compete in the tournament.