Who Will Captain Pakistan’s Hockey Team at the World Cup?
News Desk
Lahore: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has yet to make a final decision on who will captain the national team at the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, with incumbent skipper Imad Shakeel Butt’s position still under review.
According to PHF officials, the national team’s squad for the World Cup will be selected by Chief Selector Olympian Samiullah and his selection committee following fresh trials scheduled after the conclusion of the FIH Pro League matches in Belgium and England.
PHF Joint Secretary Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui said the federation will assess the fitness and performance of current captain Imad Shakeel Butt before making a decision on the team’s leadership for the World Cup.
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“Imad Shakeel Butt was not appointed captain for a long-term tenure. His captaincy has been assigned on a series-to-series basis,” Islahuddin said.
He added that the federation will decide whether to retain Imad as captain ahead of the World Cup after evaluating his form and fitness.
Thirty-year-old Imad Shakeel Butt, a midfielder, has represented Pakistan in 178 international matches and scored 15 goals. He has been leading the national side since 2024.
Under his captaincy, Pakistan will compete in the upcoming Pro League fixtures in Belgium and England, which are expected to play a key role in determining the final World Cup squad and leadership structure.
The FIH Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium in August this year.
