Pakistan’s World Cup Preparations and Outlook
Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood has stated that rankings will not be a significant factor when his team faces India in the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. Despite India being ranked higher and having recently secured a 3-1 victory over Wales, while Pakistan experienced a 1-4 defeat to England, Mahmood believes the outcome will depend on the performance on the day.
Mahmood acknowledged India‘s stronger ranking, noting, “I have no hesitation in accepting that the Indian team is much better than us in rankings, but in the India-Pakistan match, rankings don’t matter. The performance on that day is important.” He emphasized that the winning team will be determined by their play during the match.
Pakistan‘s last win against India occurred in June 2016, with a 4-3 score in the Champions Trophy in London. Since then, India has maintained an advantage, including recent victories of 4-3 and 7-1 in the London leg of the FIH Pro League. Mahmood, however, expressed confidence in Pakistan‘s preparations, stating that they are ready to challenge their rivals.
He recognized India‘s recent successes, including being the only Asian team to win medals in two consecutive Olympics, but stressed that Pakistan has also arrived well-prepared for the tournament. Pakistan is participating in the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
The team’s preparations included a challenging Pro League campaign where they finished ninth and last, losing all their matches. Mahmood explained that this experience was primarily for learning against top international teams. He mentioned that Pakistan‘s world ranking improved from 14th to 12th after the Pro League, where they gained valuable experience and tried new strategies.
Before the World Cup, Pakistan underwent a coaching change, with Dutch head coach Herman Kruis departing. Goalkeeping coach Bob-Johan Veldhof subsequently took charge. Mahmood commended the efforts of the support staff, including coach Adnan Zakir and Bob, highlighting their positive impact on the team. The team’s immediate goal is the Asian Games, but they aim to reach the last eight in the World Cup.
Mahmood and former captain Ammad Butt are the only players in the squad with prior World Cup experience. Despite this, Mahmood does not view it as a significant weakness, noting that the core group of the team has been consistent for the past few years, with several players nearing their 100th international cap. He himself played in the 2018 World Cup in India as the youngest player at 19 and now seeks to share his experience with the younger generation.
As four-time World Cup champions, Pakistan is determined to uphold its historical legacy in the tournament. Mahmood articulated the team’s desire to continue this legacy and see Pakistan at the top of the sport.
Historical Context and Structural Challenges
Former Pakistan hockey captain Salman Akbar has attributed his nation’s decline in the sport to a weak domestic structure. In contrast, he praised India‘s strategic investments in grassroots hockey and the Hockey India League for its recent international achievements.
Akbar, who represented Pakistan in 230 international matches and participated in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, identified the lack of consistent domestic competition as a primary reason for the decline. He noted that while players get opportunities in international tournaments and domestic camps, the domestic structure essential for developing talent is largely absent.
India‘s resurgence in hockey, including Olympic medals, is linked to sustained investment in its grassroots and domestic ecosystem following its failure to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Akbar highlighted the Hockey India League and a busy year-round schedule as crucial elements in India‘s success. India also invested in coaching systems, which helped create a broader pool of talented players, making them consistent medal contenders.
The India-Pakistan hockey rivalry continues to be intense. Akbar views the upcoming clash as an opportunity for Pakistan to end its losing streak against India, which dates back to 2016. He expressed hope for a competitive match, stating, “This match is crucial for hockey.”
During Pakistan‘s recent 4-1 defeat to England in the World Cup, an incident involving forgotten penalty-corner protective gear occurred. This lapse, which happened around the 17th minute after England had taken a 1-0 lead, led to captain Abu Bakar Mahmood receiving a green card and spending two minutes on the sidelines. Salman Akbar criticized this organizational oversight, emphasizing that preparation involves not only tactics, fitness, and skills but also discipline and organization.
The equipment mix-up was part of a difficult match for Pakistan, where England dominated. Stuart Rushmere scored in the 12th minute, followed by Sam Ward in the second quarter. Samuel Hooper made it 3-0 in the 31st minute, and James Albery added another in the 47th. Pakistan scored a consolation goal through Rehman Abdul Afraz in the 50th minute, but England secured a 4-1 victory. Pakistan also failed to convert two penalty corners during the match.
Akbar stressed that such incidents raise questions about the team’s readiness for major international competitions, where the highest level of professionalism is expected.
Goalkeeping Talent and Future Prospects
Salman Akbar also commented on India‘s young goalkeepers, Mohit HS and Suraj Karkera, suggesting they would benefit from the experience of having trained alongside legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Akbar noted that while Sreejesh has retired, his past experience and influence would continue to benefit the current generation of goalkeepers.
He highlighted that current Indian goalkeepers have played in the Pro League and against strong teams, learning significantly from their interactions with a player like Sreejesh. This mentorship is seen as crucial for developing future talent in the sport.
The India-Pakistan rivalry, despite the differing fortunes of the two teams, is expected to remain a significant fixture. Akbar hopes for good hockey and warm handshakes between the teams, emphasizing the importance of the match for the sport.
Pakistan‘s focus remains on improving their performance and upholding their legacy as four-time World Cup champions, with the team aiming to achieve their goal of reaching the last eight in the current World Cup.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
