Pakistan fall to eighth in rankings

Pakistan have been ranked eighth in the latest International Hockey Federation rankings.

Pakistan have been ranked eighth in the latest International Hockey Federation (FIH) rankings while Australia retain the top spot following their 4-0 win in the Champions Trophy final in Germany.

Australia, who won their third Champions Trophy in a row and also clinched the World Cup earlier this year, lead with a total of 2,620 points.

They are followed by European giants Germany (2,370), the Netherlands (2,213), England (2,047) and Spain (2,040) in the latest rankings released. Korea and New Zealand are placed sixth and seventh with 1,888 and 1,610 points respectively.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, who finished last in the World Cup but performed well on the European tour against Spain, France and the Netherlands, have 1,410 points followed by India and Canada to make up the top 10 teams.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2010.