ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced a 20-man national squad set to embark on a crucial international mission, competing in the FIH Pro League and the subsequent Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.
The team, captained by Mohammad Ammad Butt, will depart for Australia on February 2.
PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali Khan and Head Coach Tahir Zaman announced the contingent at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, confirming that the same group will represent Pakistan in both the Pro League matches and the vital World Cup Qualifying round.
Rana Mujahid also addressed player welfare, stating that the issue of outstanding daily allowances has been taken up with the government, with a resolution expected by Friday.
Squad finalised with strategic changes
The finalised squad sees two key changes from the initial selection for the Pro League.
Goalkeeper Ali Raza comes into the team in place of Abdullah Ishtiaq, while Umair Sattar joins the lineup, replacing Mannan Raza.
The full squad includes: Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Ali Raza, Arshad Liaqat, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufyan Khan, Arbaz Ahmed, Hammad Anjum, Moin Shakeel, Ghazanfar Ali, Zakaria Liaqat, Umair Sattar, Hannan Shahid, Rana Waheed, Nadeem Ahmed, Abdul Rehman, Rana Waleed, Afraz, and Abu Bakar.
They will be supported by officials Head Coach Tahir Zaman, Mohammad Usman, Zeeshan Ashraf, Nadeem Lodhi, Mohammad Aslam, and Adeel.
Coach and captain eye tough tests
Head Coach Tahir Zaman acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead, with matches scheduled against world hockey powerhouses like Australia and Germany.
He framed the Pro League, however, as an ideal preparatory ground. “After a long hiatus, Pakistan finally has the chance to compete against top-tier teams,” Zaman stated.
“The national team is set to play 16 matches before the World Cup, providing an excellent opportunity for preparation.”
Captain Mohammad Ammad Butt struck an optimistic note about the team’s readiness and trajectory.
“Player morale is high and things are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Expressing gratitude for recent support, Butt added his hope that the Prime Minister would continue to bolster the national sport as the team heads into a pivotal phase aimed at reclaiming its past glory on the world stage.
