ISLAMABAD: With the national hockey training camp drawing to a close and Pakistan set to leave for Belgium on June 9, serious concerns have emerged over the team’s inadequate preparation time ahead of a crucial phase of the FIH Pro League, where survival in the elite competition remains the primary objective.
The Green Shirts will arrive in Belgium on the evening of June 10 and will have only two days, June 11 and 12 to train and acclimatize before taking on world powerhouse Belgium in their opening fixture of the second phase of the Pro League. Hockey experts fear that such limited preparation could prove costly against some of the strongest teams in international hockey.
Pakistan are scheduled to face Belgium and Spain in a series of high-intensity encounters, and any shortcomings in preparation could leave the team vulnerable against opponents known for their speed, structure and finishing ability.
Former internationals and hockey experts have questioned the planning surrounding the tour, stressing that acclimatization to European conditions is essential before participating in an event of such magnitude.
“It was imperative for the team to spend at least a week training in Belgium before the start of the competition,” a former Olympian told The News. “Two days of practice are simply not enough to adjust to the weather, playing conditions and match tempo that teams like Belgium and Spain bring to the field. International hockey has become extremely demanding, and proper preparation is the key to success.”
The former Olympian added that a short preparatory camp in Europe should have been arranged well before the start of the Pro League campaign.
“Our focus should be on retaining our place in the Pro League rather than facing relegation, which would be a major setback for Pakistan hockey. To secure our position in the 2027 Pro League, Pakistan need at least three victories from the remaining eight matches. That target is achievable, but only if preparations are carried out according to international standards. Arriving late and having just two days to train can significantly affect the team’s chances,” he said.
Pakistan’s task has become even more challenging after injury setbacks ruled out key players Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan from the tour. Their absence has deprived the team of an experienced attacking option and a dependable penalty-corner specialist at a critical stage of the competition.
Questions have also been raised regarding the exclusion of assistant coach Shakil Abbasi and goalkeeping coach Mazhar Abbas from the touring party. Both officials remained actively involved throughout the national camp but were ultimately left behind due to austerity measures.
The decision has prompted debate within hockey circles, with critics arguing that if financial constraints prevented their travel, their prolonged involvement in the camp appears difficult to justify. Others believe the absence of specialist coaching staff during a demanding international assignment could place additional pressure on the team management.
In a positive development, former Pakistan star and Olympian Wasim Ahmad, who is currently coaching in Europe, is expected to join the squad in Belgium. His presence is likely to provide valuable guidance, particularly in strengthening Pakistan’s defensive structure ahead of the daunting encounters against Belgium and Spain.
The upcoming matches carry immense significance for Pakistan hockey. With the battle to avoid relegation intensifying, every point will be crucial as the national team seeks to maintain its place among the world’s top hockey nations.
As the countdown to the Pro League resumes, Pakistan’s challenge is clear: overcome limited preparation, adapt quickly to European conditions and produce the results needed to keep the country’s revival hopes alive on the international stage.
