LAHORE: Pakistan hockey chief selector Samiullah Khan on Wednesday hinted at a couple of changes in the national senior team for the FIH Pro Hockey League matches next month.
“The entire selection committee watched the probables at the two-day trials concluded [here at the National Hockey Stadium] on Wednesday. Now the selectors will sit with [national team] head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior to finalise the 20-member team for the Pro League,” Samiullah said after the conclusion of the trials.
“After getting the approval from [ad-hoc] president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani the team will be announced,” the chief selector added.
Pakistan are scheduled to play eight Pro League matches — two each against Belgium. Spain in Belgium, and two apiece against England and India in England.
Answering a question about the possible composition of the team for the Pro League. Samiullah said that a couple of changes could be made to the squad which competed in the World Cup qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt.
About the potential of the players. Samiullah said that the trials were not encouraging on the first day; noting the boys looked disjointed.
“However, they looked in good shape on the final day of the trials,” the chief selector said. “They have the potential [to do well] but they need to bring more improvement in their fitness level.”
About the weak defence of the national team. Samiullah said at least two new players were being selected who he claimed would improve defence.
He said five standby players would also be announced.
Meanwhile, Manzoor said that the boys looked in good touch adding that he was hoping for good results.
The head coach admitted that fitness was still an area that needed improvement before Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League.
While keeping the boys relaxed to take off pressure of the Pro League matches, Manzoor said that Pakistan’s main target was the World Cup being staged jointly by Belgium. the Netherlands in August.
Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2026
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