Afridi leads NBP hockey team recruitment drive

Former captain visits Islamabad with his sports team

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has begun the process of selecting players for a new National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) hockey team, in a move aimed at supporting the revival of the national sport.

Afridi, who serves as an adviser to NBP, visited Islamabad with his sports team, which has started shortlisting talented players for the proposed side, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said in a press release.

The formation of a permanent hockey team by one of the country's major national institutions is being seen as an encouraging development for the sport, which has struggled to regain its former standing.

The PHF said the initiative would provide emerging hockey players with employment opportunities as well as a professional environment in which to develop their careers.

Institutional support has long been considered important for Pakistan hockey, with secure jobs and regular competition helping players pursue the sport at the highest level.

The federation welcomed NBP's move, saying such partnerships were essential to rebuilding the game and providing young talent with a more secure future.

The player selection process is now under way, although details of the squad size and the team's competitive schedule were not provided.