In a significant development for Pakistan’s national sport, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially announced the squad for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup, scheduled to be held in Malaysia from June 15 to June 21, 2025. The selection comes after weeks of intensive training at a specialized camp in Islamabad, where players were evaluated under the keen supervision of seasoned coaching staff and PHF officials.
Team Announcement and Leadership
Olympian Tahir Zaman, the head coach of the national hockey team, revealed the squad during a press conference in Islamabad. The final selection was approved by PHF President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti, reflecting a new wave of optimism and competitiveness in Pakistan’s hockey strategy.
Prominent officials, including Director General of Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada and PHF Secretary General Rana Mujahid Ali Khan, were also present during the announcement ceremony. Their presence highlighted the importance of this international outing as part of a broader effort to revitalize Pakistan’s presence in world hockey.
Leading the squad will be the experienced Imad Butt, who has been appointed team captain. Imad brings both leadership and tactical prowess to the field, with years of international experience to guide a squad that blends youth with expertise.
Full Squad for FIH Nations Cup 2025
Here is the list of the 20 players selected for the tournament:
- Imad Butt (Captain)
- Muneeb-ur-Rehman
- Abdullah Ishtiaq
- Muhammad Abdullah
- Muhammad Sufyan Khan
- Abdul Manan
- Hammad Anjum
- Arshad Liaqat
- Moin Shakeel
- Zakaria Hayat
- Ghazanfar Ali
- Salman Razak
- Junaid Manzoor
- Abdul Hanan Shahid
- Rana Waheed
- Afraz Khan
- Abdul Rehman
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Mohibullah
- Rana Waleed
This lineup includes a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, signaling a well-rounded strategy from the coaching team aiming for both short-term results and long-term player development.
Departure and Preparation
Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali Khan confirmed that the team is scheduled to depart for Malaysia on June 8, 2025. The boys have been working hard throughout the camp, and the team has the potential to go all the way, said Mujahid. We are confident that with the right mindset and strategy, Pakistan can make a strong impression at the Nations Cup.
The training camp focused on both physical conditioning and tactical refinement, with an emphasis on modern hockey techniques, defensive coordination, and set-piece execution. Special attention was given to building team chemistry and mental toughness, areas where the national side has previously lagged behind top-tier international teams.
New Vision for Selection and Development
A major takeaway from the press conference was the announcement of a revamp in the selection structure. The PHF has altered the role of the traditional selection committee, which will now focus primarily on talent scouting and youth development rather than final team decisions. This shift reflects a more merit-based and performance-driven approach to squad formation.
Rana Mujahid emphasized that this move is designed to ensure transparency and provide more opportunities to deserving players across the country. We want our scouts to identify raw talent from schools, clubs, and regional tournaments, he noted. “That talent will then be nurtured in high-performance camps before making it to the national level.
Aiming for Glory
The FIH Nations Cup is a crucial tournament that acts as a qualifier for the FIH Pro League. With global teams competing for a limited spot in the elite hockey circle, Pakistan’s performance in Malaysia will play a pivotal role in determining its future standing in the international rankings.
After years of struggle to regain its lost glory, this event offers Pakistan a platform to prove its mettle. The PHF is hopeful that this new-look team, led by Imad Butt and steered by the guidance of Olympian Tahir Zaman, will rise to the challenge and reignite the nation’s passion for hockey.
The road to the FIH Nations Cup 2025 represents more than just another international tournament—it symbolizes Pakistan hockey’s battle for revival, pride, and a place on the world stage. With fresh talent, a strategic vision, and renewed commitment from the federation, fans are hoping this squad will bring back the thrill and honor of past hockey glories.
As the green shirts prepare to fly to Malaysia, the hopes of millions rest on their sticks. Let the games begin!
