Pakistan Hockey Team Archives

Tim Brand brace helps Australia edge Pakistan in FIH Pro League

HOBART: Pakistan men’s hockey team endured another setback in their FIH Pro League 2025-26 campaign, falling 3-2 to Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Tuesday.

Australia took control early, with Tim Brand scoring in the first quarter to put the hosts ahead. Tim Brand doubled the lead in the second quarter, giving Australia a 2-0 advantage as they dominated the opening half of the match.

Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, with Ahmad Nadeem and Sufyan Khan netting goals within five minutes to level the scores at 2-2, raising hopes of a draw.

However, Australia clinched the victory in dramatic fashion when Blake Govers converted a penalty stroke in the dying moments, sealing a 3-2 win.

The defeat leaves the Pakistan hockey team winless in the tournament so far.

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Pakistan will look to regroup as they face Germany on February 11, before taking on Australia again on February 13 and Germany once more on February 14.

For the unversed, before arriving in Australia, the side had suffered four consecutive losses during the Argentina leg, including defeats against hosts Argentina and the Netherlands.

Their campaign began with a 5-2 loss to the defending champions, the Netherlands, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina and a 7-3 loss in a high-scoring rematch against the Dutch.

In their final game of the first leg, Pakistan suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

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Winless Pakistan thrashed by Argentina in FIH Pro League clash

SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO: Pakistan men’s hockey team continued their difficult debut campaign in the FIH Pro League as they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina at the Santiago del Estero Hockey Club on Tuesday.

Argentina dominated proceedings from the outset, combining clinical penalty-corner execution with sharp aerial play to register a commanding victory and move to the top of the Pro League standings with 11 points.

Pakistan, meanwhile, slumped to their fourth consecutive loss and remain rooted at the bottom of the table.

Los Leones opened the scoring through Nicolas Della Torre, whose powerful drag flick from a penalty corner took a deflection off Pakistan defender Muhammad Abdullah and wrong-footed goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman.

Argentina maintained control through midfield and repeatedly exploited space behind Pakistan’s defence with long aerial balls.

One such aerial found Joaquin Toscani, who controlled well before delivering a bouncing ball into the circle for Bautista Capurro to deflect home, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Argentina struck again through Capurro in the second quarter after Maico Casella kept the pressure alive following a failed Pakistani clearance.

Casella found space and slid a pinpoint pass across the goal, allowing Capurro to tap in his second and make it 3-0.

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Pakistan showed some resistance early in the third quarter when Waheed Ashraf Rana produced a fine individual effort, driving into the circle and smashing a high shot into the net to briefly cut the deficit.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Argentina responded almost immediately.

Tadeo Marcucci released Tomas Domene with a precise pass, and although Domene’s initial backhand effort was saved, Tobias Martins reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.

Domene then capped an impressive outing by earning and converting a penalty corner with a low drag flick to make it 5-1.

The final quarter remained scoreless, with Argentina comfortably seeing out the contest to claim a convincing three points. Domene was later named Player of the Match for the second consecutive game.

The defeat leaves Pakistan in ninth place, having conceded 20 goals while scoring only eight, resulting in a worrying goal difference of minus 12.

Their campaign began with a 5-2 loss to the defending champions, the Netherlands, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina and a 7-3 loss in a high-scoring rematch against the Dutch.

Pakistan will now turn their attention to the Australia leg of the Pro League in Hobart in February, where they face a stern challenge against the hosts on February 10 and 13, followed by clashes with Germany on February 11 and 14.

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Pakistan begin FIH Pro League campaign with Netherlands defeat

Defending champions Netherlands opened their FIH Pro League campaign with a commanding 5–2 victory over debutants Pakistan at the Santiago del Estero Hockey Club in Argentina.

Pakistan stunned the Dutch early, taking the lead through a moment of brilliance from Hannan Shahid.

The young forward carved his way in from the left flank, slicing through the Dutch defence before smashing his shot past Mauritz Visser to announce Pakistan’s arrival in the competition.

But the Netherlands, seasoned campaigners and among the favourites once again, settled quickly.

A sharp tackle from Thierry Brinkman triggered their first major surge down the right, with Koen Bijen finding space upfront to level the score before the end of the first quarter.

Just moments before the break, Timo Boers made it 2–1 with a tidy penalty-corner strike, the first sign of what would become the decisive difference between the sides.

Pakistan hockey team refused to fade, and early in the second quarter, Sufyan Khan dragged his team back into the contest with a penalty-corner conversion to make it 2–2 at half-time.

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The match, though, ultimately shifted in the third quarter as the Dutch showcased their set-piece precision.

Tijmen Reyenga restored their lead with another penalty-corner finish, and Boers added his second of the match shortly after, again from a dead-ball situation.

Duco Telgenkamp then produced a sharp finish from the baseline to stretch the advantage to 5–2, completing a dominant period for the defending champions.

Reyenga’s impact on both ends of the field earned him the Player of the Match award, as the Netherlands closed out the final quarter with composure and control.

Pakistan, despite the defeat, showed glimpses of their potential and will now turn their attention to the remaining fixtures of the mini-tournament.

They face hosts Argentina on December 12, meet the Netherlands again on December 13, and wrap up their first Pro League outing against Argentina on December 15.

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Pakistan hockey team returns home after series sweep in Bangladesh

The Pakistan hockey team received a warm welcome at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Tuesday after returning from Dhaka, where they swept Bangladesh 3-0 in the pre-World Cup qualifier series.

Families, friends and supporters gathered in large numbers to celebrate the team’s emphatic run, which secured a place in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026.

Pakistan wrapped up the series in style with a resounding 10-3 victory in the final match at the Maulana Bhashani Stadium on Sunday.

Having already sealed qualification with commanding 8-2 and 8-0 wins in the opening fixtures, the Green Shirts maintained their dominance throughout the tour.

In the final clash, Pakistan struck five goals in the first half and continued their relentless scoring in the second, leaving the hosts far behind.

The series also brought individual accolades for the visitors. Sufyan Khan finished as the Top Scorer, while Ammad Butt was named the Best Player of the Tournament.

The Dhaka series was arranged by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after Pakistan were forced to miss the Asia Cup in India earlier this year due to political tensions.

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The successful outing now serves as crucial preparation for what lies ahead: the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, scheduled in Belgium from February 28 to March 8.

The team will now shift focus to their next major assignment, Pakistan’s debut appearance in the FIH Pro League.

The national camp for the league will begin in Islamabad in the coming days, followed by two practice matches in Spain on November 29 and 30.

The seventh edition of the Pro League, starting in early December in Argentina, will feature nine teams: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain and Pakistan.

The Green Shirts open their campaign in Rosario, taking on the Netherlands on December 10 and hosts Argentina on December 12.

Pakistan hockey team will play 16 matches across four international legs, including tough outings against Germany and Australia in Hobart, and marquee European fixtures in Belgium and Spain.

A highlight for fans will undoubtedly be the highly anticipated clashes against arch-rivals India in London on June 23 and 26 next year.

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FIH officially invites Pakistan to join Pro League

LAUSANNE: The Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints. Consequently, the FIH has given the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) a deadline of August 12 to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

Pakistan, the runner-up of the Nations Cup 2025—an event that serves as a qualifier for the Pro League —is set to participate in the prestigious event. The FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.

The team with the highest points at the end of the season is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.

“After New Zealand notified the FIH of their decision not to participate in the next FIH Hockey Pro League Men’s season, FIH has, in accordance with the regulations, extended an invitation to the Nations Cup runners-up, namely Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition,” the official statement read.

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Earlier, it was reported that Hockey New Zealand has officially withdrawn from the League, citing financial difficulties as the primary reason.

The FIH had reportedly given New Zealand a deadline of July 21 to confirm their participation, but the Kiwis opted out before the cutoff date, informing the federation that budget cuts for the ongoing Olympic cycle had forced them to make tough calls.

This isn’t the first financial blow for New Zealand hockey; their women’s team had also been withdrawn from the Pro League earlier for similar reasons.

READ: Pakistan likely to get Pro League spot after New Zealand pullout

Pakistan likely to pull out of hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India: reports

The Government of Pakistan is reportedly considering withdrawing its national hockey team from the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in India, citing growing political tensions and serious security concerns for its players.

According to government sources, the decision stems from what they describe as a “hostile and unsafe environment” being created across the border, particularly through Indian media and extremist groups that have allegedly issued direct threats to Pakistani athletes on social media.

Despite Pakistan’s longstanding policy of keeping sports and politics separate, officials say the situation has been exacerbated by India’s approach, which they believe has “politicised” the sporting landscape.

“Indian media is running a relentless smear campaign against Pakistan, and players are being openly threatened online by extremist groups,” said a government source familiar with the development.

The source also pointed fingers at right-wing organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), claiming their close ties with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have amplified the security risks.

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“Given the current geopolitical climate and the rising risks to player safety, sending the team to India is simply not a viable option,” the source added.

Sources added that initial reports from India had indicated that the Pakistan hockey team had been granted permission to participate.

However, the tone in Indian media coverage allegedly shifted soon after, raising further doubts over the team’s safety.

“It’s unfortunate,” the official said.

“Despite Pakistan’s efforts to keep sports above politics, India has repeatedly politicised sporting events. In this environment, the safety and dignity of our athletes cannot be assured.”

The Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7.

An official confirmation from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) or the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding participation is still awaited.

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Mohsin Naqvi congratulates Pakistan hockey team on reaching U-18 Asia Cup Final

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, lauded the Pakistan Hockey team for reaching the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup final on Friday.

Pakistan continued their unbeaten run in the tournament, emerging victorious in a narrowly contested semi-final. During the regular time, neither team could score a goal despite multiple attempts.

The outcome of the high-stakes encounter was decided on shootouts, where Green Shirts netted four goals and missed one. In contrast, Malaysia managed only three goals while missing two crucial chances to advance in the final.

This was Pakistan’s fifth consecutive win in the tournament, having previously defeated Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong dominantly.

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Pakistan will now face Japan in the final of the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup, set to be played on Sunday.

Mohsin Naqvi praised the hockey team for their unity and coordination in the semi-final.

“Pakistan Under-18 hockey team reached the final after demonstrating excellent play, said the board chairman. “The players demonstrated exceptional teamwork and coordination,” he noted.

Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the team captain, coaches, and management on the achievement, expressing hope that Pakistan would come home with the winning trophy.

“The players have showcased remarkable performances throughout the tournament. I am confident that the U18 team will bring home the Asia Cup title,” he concluded.

Pakistan Hockey Squad for U-18 Asia Cup

Mohammad Usman, Atif Ali, Asam Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Lateef, Mohammad Yaseen, Mohammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hamzad, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Mohammad Zaman, Mohammad Hussain, Mohammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, Yaseen Jamshaid

Team management

Shafqat Malik (manager): Mukhtar Ahmed, Touseeq Ahmed, Masood-ur-Rahman (coaches)

READ: Pakistan edge past Malaysia to reach U-18 Hockey Asia Cup final

PHF announces players, officials for Under-18 Asia Cup

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the team and officials for the Under-18 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to commence in China on July 3.

The officials include Olympian Malik Shafqat as team manager, with Mukhtar Ahmed, Toufeeq Ahmed, and Masood ur Rehman as coaches. Abu Zar Umrao will serve as the video analyst, while Adeel Akhtar has been named as the team physiotherapist.

Following the announcement, the President of the PHF, Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti, and Secretary General, Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali Khan, extended heartfelt wishes to the team.

The Pakistan hockey team is set to depart for China on June 30 to participate in the U18 Asia Hockey Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from July 3 to July 13 in Dazhou, China.

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The final squad was selected on merit following open trials held at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium from June 11 to June 13, which saw participation from talented young players across the country.

The tournament includes 11 teams: Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

Pakistan’s hockey team is placed in Pool A with Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

The matches of the tournament will take place at Dazhou City, located in Sichuan province. The city will host this scale of event for the first time, and preparations are already underway for world-class facilities.

Pakistan Squad for Under-18 Asia Cup

Muhammad Usman, Atif Ali, Usama Haider, Muhammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Latif, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hamzada, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Muhammad Zaman, Muhammad Hussain, Muhammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, and Yaseen Jamshaid.

Pakistan Team Officials

Shafqat Muhammad (Team Manager), Ahmad Mukhtar (Head Coach), Masood (Assistant Coach), Arshad Toseeq (Assistant Coach), Akhtar Adeel (Physiotherapist), Umrao Syed (Video Technician)

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Pakistan’s FIH Pro League participation in doubt due to THIS reason

The Pakistan hockey team’s participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League hangs in the balance due to severe financial constraints, despite receiving an official invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The FIH extended the invitation to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following New Zealand’s withdrawal from the league’s upcoming edition.

New Zealand, who secured their Pro League qualification by winning the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, have reportedly pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.

As runners-up of that tournament, Pakistan have now been offered a spot in the elite league.

However, the PHF is reportedly facing a major hurdle as the estimated cost of participation exceeds Rs 500 million, and the federation currently lacks the financial resources to proceed.

The PHF has been requested to submit its initial response to the FIH by Friday, June 27.

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If the federation confirms its participation but fails to meet its financial commitments, it may face penalties and possible sanctions from the international governing body.

The development comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan hockey, with the Pro League offering a golden opportunity to regain lost ground on the international stage.

The national team, currently ranked 17th in the world, has not featured in recent editions of the Pro League, a key factor behind its slide in the global rankings.

The next edition of the FIH Pro League is scheduled to begin in February 2026.

A formal confirmation from the FIH regarding Pakistan’s inclusion is expected in the coming days, but unless emergency funding is arranged, the country’s long-awaited return to top-tier international hockey may be in jeopardy.

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FIH invites Pakistan to Hockey Pro League after New Zealand pullout: reports

The Pakistan hockey team has reportedly been invited to participate in the upcoming season of the FIH Pro League after New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.

According to the sources, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) reached out to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) with a formal invitation, opening the door for the Men in Green to feature in the prestigious global event.

This marks a significant opportunity for Pakistan to climb the international rankings and re-establish its presence on the world stage.

New Zealand had earlier secured qualification for the Hockey Pro League by defeating Pakistan in the final of the FIH Nations Cup held in Malaysia.

However, with the Black Sticks pulling out, Pakistan have now been offered their spot.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s recent campaign at the FIH Nations Cup ended on a bittersweet note, as they finished runners-up after a 6-2 defeat to New Zealand in the final.

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Despite a strong start to the tournament, the Pakistan hockey team were outplayed in the title clash.

New Zealand had two early goals disallowed but eventually broke through in the sixth minute via a penalty corner from Scott Cosslett. Sam Hiha added another just before the first quarter ended.

The Kiwis then tightened their grip in the second quarter, adding three more goals through Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to take a 5-0 lead into half-time.

The Pakistan hockey team mounted a fleeting resurgence in the third quarter, spurred on by a striking goal from Zikriya Hayat that momentarily ignited hopes for a turnaround.

However, their struggles became evident as they failed to capitalise on five crucial penalty corners, a missed opportunity that ultimately proved costly.

Cosslett added his second of the night in the final quarter to make it 6-1, before Sufyan Khan scored a late consolation.

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