Pakistan announce squad for FIH Pro League Hobart phase and World Cup Qualifiers
Two changes have been made in the squad with goalkeeper Ali Raza replacing Abdullah Ishtiaq and midfielder Umair Sattar coming in for Mannan Raza
By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan on Wednesday announced a 20-member men’s hockey squad for the upcoming FIH Pro League Hobart phase and World Cup Qualifiers, making two changes to the lineup as the team prepares to tour Australia next month, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said.
The same squad will represent Pakistan in both competitions with the team scheduled to depart for Australia on February 2. Defender Mohammad Ammad Butt will continue as captain.
The PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali Khan announced the squad at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium Islamabad alongside head coach Tahir Zaman, confirming that goalkeeper Ali Raza has replaced Abdullah Ishtiaq while midfielder Umair Sattar comes in for Mannan Raza.
Rana Mujahid said the issue of unpaid daily allowances for players had been taken up with the federal government and assured that all outstanding dues would be cleared by Friday.
Team officials travelling with the side include head coach Tahir Zaman, Mohammad Usman, Zeeshan Ashraf, Nadeem Lodhi, Mohammad Aslam and Adeel.
Tahir Zaman said the Pro League fixtures would provide Pakistan with rare exposure against top-ranked opposition ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.
“Facing teams like Australia and Germany will be a major challenge, but it is exactly the kind of competition we need,” Tahir said. “The team will play 16 international matches before the World Cup, which gives us valuable preparation time.”
Pakistan are seeking improved performances after a difficult opening stint of the Pro Hockey League in Argentina, where they struggled against elite sides including Holland and Argentina and failed to register a win, highlighting the gap they must bridge against higher-ranked teams.
Captain Ammad Butt said the squad remained motivated despite recent results and expressed optimism about the team’s direction.
“Morale is good and things are moving forward,” Butt said. “We hope continued support from the government will help revive hockey in the country.”
Pakistan will face Australia on February 10, Germany on February 11, Australia again on February 13 and Germany on February 14 in Round Two of the Pro Hockey League. All matches will be played at Hobart.
Pakistan squad: Ammad Shakeel Butt (captain), Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Ali Raza, Arshad Liaqat, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufyan Khan, Arbaz Ahmed, Hammad Anjum, Moin Shakeel, Ghazanfar Ali, Mohammad Ammad, Zakaria Liaqat, Umair Sattar, Hannan Shahid, Rana Waheed, Nadeem Ahmed, Abdul Rehman, Rana Waleed, Afraz, Abu Bakar.
