LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has called 35 players for the next phase of preparations for the FIH Pro Hockey League, with final trials scheduled for May 19 and 20. Following the two days of final trials, the national team for the upcoming Pro League fixtures will be confirmed.
The preliminary list includes four goalkeepers — Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Ali Raza, Faizan Janjua and Waqar — who will compete for the keeper positions during the trials. The PHF has named a strong defensive contingent, entrusting the backline to Sufyan Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Arshad Liaqat, Imad Shakeel Butt, Moin Shakeel, Hammad Anjum, Nadeem Khan, Ali Hamza, Umar Mustafa, Abubakar, Abdul Mannan, Arbaaz, Muhammad Ahsan Nadeem, Muhammad Imad and Rana Waleed.
The attacking group features a mix of pace and finishing ability with Ahmed Nadeem, Ghaznfar, Afraz Khan, Zakariya Hayat, Rana Waheed, Abdul Rehman, Hanan Shahid, Adeel Latif, Basharat Ali, Ali Murtaza, Umair Sattar, Bilal, Abuzar, Abdullah Yusuf, Hamza Fayyaz and Abdul Wahab included among the strikers on the shortlist.
The selection process was overseen by a distinguished panel of former internationals. Olympian Samiullah Khan chaired the selection committee, which also comprised Olympians Naeem Akhtar, Nasir Ali, Manzoor ul Hassan, Kashif Jawad and Dr. Atif Bashir. The committee will monitor performances closely during the trials before naming the final touring party.
Pakistan’s Pro Hockey League campaign will include matches against Spain and Belgium in the next phase, followed by fixtures against England and India. The PHF said the trials and subsequent selections are aimed at fielding a competitive side capable of challenging top international opponents in the Pro League.
