Pakistan Selector Samiullah Khan Says Pakistan Can Hold India At Least to a Draw in FIH Hockey World Cup.

Pakistan announced a 20‑member squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup, marking the country’s return after an eight‑year absence. The team is drawn in Pool D with India, England and Wales. PakSelector Samiullah Khan said the side can at least draw with arch‑rivals India and beat Wales, but England is the toughest opponent. He added that Pakistan are ranked 12th in the FIH rankings while England sit higher. The India‑Pakistan match is scheduled for 9 August and will be played in the pool stage. Both teams will start their campaigns against England on 15 August in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Pakistan has strengthened its coaching setup by appointing Dutch coach Herman Kruis as team director and chief coach. Foreign coaches Bob Johan Veldhof and Christopher Bowen are also on the squad to provide additional support. Samiullah said the squad was selected through close collaboration between the national selectors and the new foreign coaching staff. With a revamped coaching structure and a clear objective, Pakistan aims to compete with the world's best and revive one of hockey's biggest rivalries.