Pakistan Names FIH World Cup Roster Under Abu Bakr
PHF Names 20-Player World Cup Roster as Samiullah Assesses Group Prospects
PAKISTAN WORLD CUP SQUAD NAMED
Illustration concept: A professional sports photograph of a field hockey player in a green national uniform controlling a hockey ball on a bright blue turf field, high action, cinematic stadium background light.
AI summary
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has named a 20-player squad for the FIH Men's World Cup, retaining Abu Bakr Mahmood as team captain. Chief selector Samiullah Khan expressed measured optimism for their group stage fixtures following encouraging results in their series against South Korea.
Key takeaways
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation announced a 20-member roster for the FIH Men's World Cup.
- Abu Bakr Mahmood stays on as team captain, with the vice-captain appointment due by Friday.
- Chief selector Samiullah Khan highlighted realistic targets against India and Wales while acknowledging 12th-ranked Pakistan faces a tough challenge against England.
- Head coach Herman Kruis will meet the national squad in the Netherlands following his pre-assignment work.
Facing a challenging path at the upcoming FIH Men’s World Cup, chief selector Samiullah Khan believes Pakistan can secure crucial points in their group matches if they build on their current momentum. With the national side holding an unassailable 3-0 lead in an ongoing four-match home Test series against South Korea, confidence within the camp has received a timely lift ahead of the global tournament.
Speaking from Islamabad, where the Pakistan Hockey Federation officially unveiled its 20-player squad on Wednesday, Samiullah outlined a practical roadmap for the opening stage. He noted that 12th-ranked Pakistan stands a realistic chance of holding rival India to a draw, which could subsequently pave the way for a victory against Wales. However, he cautioned that beating a top-ranked English side would present a far steeper hurdle.
Leadership continuity remains a key factor for the side, with Abu Bakr Mahmood retained as team captain. The selection committee plans to announce the vice-captain by Friday.
According to reports from Dawn Sport, the final roster was chosen through a collaborative effort between local selectors and the newly appointed foreign coaching staff. Head coach Herman Kruis is presently in the Netherlands on pre-assignment work and will meet the squad upon their arrival in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
- Who will lead Pakistan at the FIH Men's World Cup?
- Abu Bakr Mahmood has been retained as team captain for the tournament, while the vice-captain is expected to be named by Friday.
- Who selected the 20-member Pakistan hockey squad?
- The squad was jointly selected by Pakistan's national selection committee and the newly appointed foreign coaching staff.
- What are Pakistan's expectations for the group stage matches?
- Chief selector Samiullah Khan noted that Pakistan aims to earn a draw against India and target a win against Wales, though taking on top-ranked England will be significantly more demanding.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Dawn Sport
- Original publication:
- Aug 6, 2026, 4:22 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 6, 2026, 4:22 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 9, 2026, 12:32 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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