Pakistan Announces Hockey Squad for FIH Nations Cup

Islamabad: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has revealed its 20-member national team for the upcoming FIH hockey men’s Nations Cup. The event is set to be held in Kuala Lumpur from June 15 to June 21.

Ammad Butt has been designated as the team’s captain. He will guide the Green Shirts throughout this esteemed competition, which offers a route to promotion into the FIH Hockey Pro League.

Butt will receive support from vice-captain Rana Waheed. Pakistan is set to face seven other nations, namely hosts Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales.

The announcement occurred at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. National team head coach Tahir Zaman made the selection, choosing players based on their demonstrated abilities in recent training sessions.

PHF President Tariq Bugti, Secretary Rana Mujahid, and Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada were present during the announcement ceremony.

The participating teams in the Nations Cup are divided into two pools to compete in the preliminary stages.

The Nations Cup presents a vital opportunity for teams aiming to elevate their status to the FIH Hockey Pro League. The tournament victor will be granted entry into the 2025–26 season of the Pro League.

Pool A includes France, Korea, South Africa, and Wales. Pool B consists of Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

All teams will compete on the opening day. The tournament will advance towards classification matches and medal rounds later in the week, with semi-finals taking place on June 20. The final and bronze medal matches are scheduled for June 21.

Pakistan Squad for Nations Cup:
  • Goalkeepers: Muneer-ur-Rehman and Abdullah Ishtiaq
  • Field players: Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, and Ahmed Nadeem

Reserves: Mohibullah and Rana Waheed.