Pakistan unveil World Cup hockey squad with Samiullah upbeat
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday announced a 20-member squad for the FIH Men’s World Cup. Abu Bakr Mahmood has been retained as captain of the national team while the vice-captain will be announced by Friday, chief
Image credit: Photo by Gera Cejas on Pexels
Pakistan have named their 20-member squad for the FIH Men’s World Cup, with chief selector Samiullah Khan saying the team can take confidence from recent results against South Korea and approach the tournament with measured optimism.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation announced the squad on Wednesday in Islamabad, according to Dawn Sport. Abu Bakr Mahmood has been retained as captain, while the vice-captain will be named by Friday.
The selection was made jointly by the national selectors and the recently appointed foreign coaching staff, Samiullah said. Head coach Herman Kruis is currently in the Netherlands on a pre-assignment and will join the Pakistan team once they arrive there.
Pakistan’s World Cup squad takes shape
The squad includes Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Moin Shakeel, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf, Abdul Hannan, Zikriya Hayat, Arshad Liaquat, Adeel Latif, Ahmad Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Ammad Butt, Mohammad Hammaduddin, Abdul Rehman, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abdul Manan, Mohammad Ammad and Mohammad Abdullah, alongside captain Abu Bakr Mahmood.
The goalkeeping group features Waqar and Ali Raza. The team management named by the PHF includes Mohammad Awais Qarni as team manager, Bob Johan Veldhof as head coach, Christopher Bowen and Adnan Zakir as assistant coaches, and Ashraf Sultan as video technician.
Confidence from South Korea series
Samiullah said Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing home series against South Korea had lifted morale. Pakistan have already established an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match Test series, a result that the chief selector said had strengthened belief within the squad.
He offered a realistic assessment of Pakistan’s group-stage prospects, saying a draw against India would be a positive outcome and that a win over Wales would be possible if that happens. He also said beating England would be very difficult, given their status among the world’s leading teams.
Pakistan are currently ranked 12th in the world, Samiullah noted.
What Pakistan’s World Cup campaign means
The squad announcement marks an important step in Pakistan’s build-up to the tournament, with the team management now set to continue preparations under the new coaching setup. With a blend of familiar names and the backing of recent match success, the PHF is hoping the side can carry momentum into the World Cup.
For now, the focus remains on finalising the vice-captain and completing the team’s preparations ahead of departure.
FAQ
Who was named Pakistan captain for the FIH Men’s World Cup?
Abu Bakr Mahmood has been retained as captain.
Who will announce the vice-captain?
The vice-captain is set to be announced by Friday.
What recent result boosted Pakistan’s confidence?
Pakistan’s 3-0 lead in the four-match home Test series against South Korea.
Who is the head coach?
Bob Johan Veldhof is listed as head coach, while Herman Kruis is in the Netherlands on a pre-assignment.
Comments
No approved comments yet.
