Samiullah backs Pakistan to challenge India at FIH Hockey World Cup

Pakistan chief selector says England are the toughest opponents

Pakistan chief selector Samiullah Khan believes his side has what it takes to frustrate arch-rivals India when the two teams meet in the pool stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup, insisting the Green Shirts are capable of earning at least a draw despite entering the tournament as underdogs.

Pakistan announced a 20-member squad on Wednesday for the prestigious event, marking their return to the Hockey World Cup after an eight-year absence. Drawn in Pool D alongside India, England and Wales, Pakistan face a stern challenge but remain optimistic about their chances of progressing.

Speaking after the squad announcement, Samiullah acknowledged the difficulty of the group while outlining Pakistan’s realistic objectives for the tournament.

“Look, realistically the key is holding India at least to a draw and we have the capacity to beat Wales, but our toughest opponent is England, who are ranked high while we are placed 12th right now in the FIH rankings,” Samiullah said.

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for August 9 during the pool stage, with the fixture expected to once again capture the attention of hockey fans around the world. Matches between the two traditional rivals have long been among the biggest attractions in international hockey, carrying intense rivalry and historical significance.

Pakistan have strengthened their coaching setup ahead of the tournament by appointing experienced Dutch coach Herman Kruis as team director and chief coach. According to reports, Kruis will join the squad directly in the Netherlands, where he is currently engaged in a pre-tournament assignment.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also added further international expertise by bringing in foreign coaches Bob Johan Veldhof and Christopher Bowen to assist the national side during the campaign.

Samiullah revealed that the final squad was selected through close collaboration between the national selectors and the newly appointed foreign coaching staff, reflecting a collective approach as Pakistan aim to revive their fortunes on the global stage.

India and Pakistan headline a competitive Pool D that also features England and Wales. While England enter the tournament as one of the higher-ranked teams, Pakistan hope their experienced squad and revamped coaching structure will help bridge the gap against stronger opposition.

Both India and Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaigns against England in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on August 15 before turning their focus to the much-anticipated clash that could play a decisive role in determining qualification from the group.

With renewed optimism and fresh coaching support, Pakistan will be eager to prove they can compete with the world’s best and reignite one of hockey’s greatest rivalries on the biggest stage.