LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation has unveiled a 20-man squad for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, blending youth and experience for the August tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium.
In a major shake-up, veteran midfielder Ammad Butt has been stripped of the captaincy after 14 years, with forward Abu Bakar Mahmood taking over the reins.
The announcement, made official on Wednesday, comes as Pakistan gear up for the prestigious 16-nation tournament scheduled from 15 to 30 August in Amstelveen and across Belgian venues.
Having secured their berth through a impressive runners-up finish at the World Cup qualifiers in March, their first qualification since 2018, the Green Shirts are hungry to reassert their legacy on hockey’s grandest stage.
The 20-player roster strikes a calculated balance between grizzled internationals and electrifying young blood, reflecting the PHF’s vision of blending experience with raw energy. The squad features Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adeel Latif, Ahmad Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Imad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hamaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Matan and Muhammad Imad.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has announced a 20-member squad and team management for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. After securing World Cup qualification, Pakistan will compete with a squad blending… pic.twitter.com/hTNR0FQlzB
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) August 5, 2026
Between the posts, Waqar and Ali Raza have been entrusted with goalkeeping duties, a critical role that could define Pakistan’s fortunes in high-pressure encounters.
Leadership change ends Ammad Butt’s 14-Year tenure
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the national hockey circuit, the PHF confirmed that Ammad Butt, the midfield general who orchestrated Pakistan’s resurgence and led them to World Cup qualification, has been relieved of captaincy after an extraordinary 14-year run.
Butt, whose leadership guided the team through turbulent times and culminated in that historic qualifier final appearance, makes way for experienced forward Abu Bakar Mahmood.
The new captain, known for his clinical finishing and attacking vision, now shoulders the responsibility of inspiring a squad eager to prove their mettle against hockey’s elite.
The decision underscores the federation’s intent to inject fresh tactical dynamics ahead of a tournament where every match demands razor-sharp decision-making.
Read Also: Abu Bakar Handed Captaincy as Pakistan Hockey Looks to Rebuild After Pro League Nightmare
Dutch-infused management team signals tactical shift
The PHF has assembled an internationally flavoured support staff to complement the on-field talent. Team Manager Muhammad Owais Qarni will oversee operations, while the coaching unit boasts a distinctly European pedigree: Head Coach Bob Johan Veldhof from the Netherlands, Assistant Coach Christopher John Bowen from Great Britain, and local assistant Adnan Zakir. Video technician Ashraf Sultan completes the technical team.
This blend of Dutch and British hockey philosophies, both nations renowned for their structured, possession-based approaches, suggests Pakistan are aiming to marry their traditional flair with modern tactical discipline.
Read Also: Pakistan Thrash South Korea 3-1 to Take 2-0 Series Lead in Bilateral Hockey Clash
PHF president urges national unity behind green shirts
PHF President Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani expressed unwavering confidence in the selected squad, extending his best wishes to players and support staff alike. In a passionate appeal, he called upon the nation to rally behind the Green Shirts as they embark on their World Cup campaign.
“This team carries the hopes of 240 million Pakistanis,” Wani stated. “Their hard work and dedication have brought us to this stage, and now they deserve our unwavering support. Let us stand together and cheer them on as they chase glory for Pakistan.”
