Abu Bakar Named Pakistan Hockey Captain Ahead of World Cup

PHF appoints experienced forward as skipper following Pro League struggles, while former captain Ammad Butt remains in the squad as a senior player for the August 15–30 World Cup.

Sports Desk

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed experienced forward Abu Bakar Mahmood as the new captain of the national men's hockey team, ending Ammad Butt's 14-year tenure as skipper.

Butt, a seasoned midfielder, guided Pakistan to qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup earlier this year after the team finished runners-up at the qualifying tournament, securing its first World Cup berth since 2018. Despite stepping down as captain, he will remain part of the national squad in a senior leadership role.

According to the PHF, the appointment was approved by federation president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani following recommendations from the Professional Development Committee, which includes former hockey greats Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hassan Sardar.

The leadership change comes after Pakistan endured a difficult FIH Pro League campaign, losing all 16 of their matches. The decision has been made just weeks before the start of the FIH Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on August 15, followed by a clash with Wales on August 17. The Green Shirts will conclude the group stage with a highly anticipated encounter against arch-rivals India on August 19.