Disappointed by the national team’s dismal FIH Pro League campaign, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to overhaul the country’s hockey structure by appointing foreign coaches and support staff in a bid to revive the sport.
Pakistan failed to win a single match in this season’s FIH Pro League, finishing bottom of the nine-team table. Its campaign included two defeats to India in London, losing 3-4 and 1-7.
In a statement, the PHF, currently headed by interim president Muhyuddin Wani, said it plans to recruit coaches and trainers from Australia, the Netherlands or Germany. The foreign experts will work not only with the senior national team but also with junior players and at the domestic level.
The federation admitted that the team’s poor Pro League results had accelerated the need for a comprehensive restructuring, stressing that Pakistan’s rich hockey legacy demanded a modern approach to the game.
Under Wani, the PHF had earlier appointed several former greats from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s to key positions. Among the appointments was the controversial decision to name 74-year-old Manzur-ul-Hasan as head coach for the Pro League campaign. Former internationals Islahuddin Siddiqui, Hasan Sardar, Samiullah and Ayaz Mahmood were also given prominent roles.
Published on Jun 29, 2026
