ISLAMABAD (Web Desk)-With the FIH Pro Hockey League fast approaching, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has intensified preparations by unveiling a 35-member provisional squad for the national team. The announcement marks the beginning of a crucial selection phase as Pakistan looks to assemble a competitive side for upcoming international assignments against some of the world’s strongest hockey nations.
The federation confirmed that the final lineup will be finalized after a two-day trial process scheduled for May 19 and 20. These trials are expected to play a decisive role in determining which players earn a place in the squad that will represent Pakistan in the prestigious international tournament.
The preliminary list reflects a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent across all departments. Four goalkeepers — Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Ali Raza, Faizan Janjua, and Waqar — have been shortlisted as contenders for the final squad. Their performances during the trials will be closely monitored as selectors evaluate form, fitness, and consistency ahead of the demanding fixtures.
In defense, the selectors have named a sizeable pool of players, including Sufyan Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Arshad Liaquat, Imad Shakeel Butt, Moeen Shakeel, Hamad Anjum, Nadeem Khan, Ali Hamza, Umar Mustafa, Abubakar, Abdul Manan, Arbaaz, Muhammad Ahsan Nadeem, Muhammad Imad, and Rana Waleed. The defensive lineup indicates the management’s emphasis on strengthening Pakistan’s backline against elite opposition in the Pro League.
The attacking unit features several promising forwards and strikers tasked with boosting Pakistan’s scoring capabilities. Among those shortlisted are Ahmed Nadeem, Ghazanfar, Afraz Khan, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Waheed, Abdul Rehman, Hanan Shahid, Adil Latif, Basharat Ali, Ali Murtaza, Umair Sattar, Bilal, Abuzar, Abdullah Yusuf, Hamza Fayyaz, and Abdul Wahab.
To ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process, the federation has entrusted an experienced panel of former Olympians with overseeing the trials. The committee is headed by legendary Olympian Samiullah Khan and includes Naeem Akhtar, Nasir Ali, Manzoor Hassan, Kashif Jawad, and Dr. Atif Bashir.
Pakistan’s upcoming Pro Hockey League campaign will begin with matches against Spain and Belgium, followed by challenging encounters against England and India. The tournament will provide Pakistan with an important opportunity to test its progress on the international stage and rebuild momentum in world hockey.
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