LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially announced a 20-member squad for the much-anticipated FIH Men’s World Cup. This announcement comes as the team prepares for one of the most prestigious events in international field hockey.
Abu Bakr Mahmood has been confirmed as the captain of the national team, while the selection for vice-captain is expected to be made by Friday. Chief selector Samiullah Khan shared these details during a press conference in Islamabad, where the squad was unveiled to the public.
The selection process for the squad involved collaboration between the national selectors and the recently appointed foreign coaching staff, which aims to bring a fresh perspective to the team’s strategy and performance. Head coach Herman Kruis is currently in the Netherlands for pre-assignment duties and is set to join the squad once they arrive for the tournament.
Samiullah expressed cautious optimism regarding the team's prospects, particularly in light of their recent performances against South Korea. The national team has established a commanding 3-0 lead in the four-match Test series against South Korea, which has significantly boosted the players' confidence ahead of the World Cup.
“We have a realistic chance of holding India to a draw in the group stage. If we can achieve that, defeating Wales would be within our reach. However, overcoming England will be a formidable challenge, as they are ranked among the world's elite teams, while Pakistan currently sits at 12th in the global rankings,” Samiullah stated, outlining the challenges that lie ahead for the team.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with Abu Bakr Mahmood leading a roster that includes Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Moin Shakeel, and Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf, among others. The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Waqar and Ali Raza, ensuring a solid defense for the team.
In addition to the players, the team management includes Mohammad Awais Qarni as the team manager, with Bob Johan Veldhof serving as head coach. The coaching staff also comprises Christopher Bowen and Adnan Zakir as assistant coaches, alongside Ashraf Sultan, who will oversee video analysis.
The FIH Men’s World Cup is a critical tournament for Pakistan, a nation with a rich history in field hockey, and the upcoming matches will be crucial for the team to reclaim its status in the sport.
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