The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has named Abu Bakar as the new captain of the national hockey team following a recommendation from its Professional Development Committee.
According to a PHF statement, the recommendation was made by committee members Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hassan Sardar and approved by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The federation said Abu Bakar will lead the national team in upcoming international competitions.
He replaces Amaad Butt, who previously served as Pakistan’s captain.
The PHF thanked Amaad Butt for his leadership and dedication to the national team, adding that he will continue to be part of the squad as a senior player.
The federation said it is confident that Abu Bakar’s leadership, combined with the experience of senior players and the energy of younger members, will help the team continue to improve and become more competitive.
The appointment follows Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2026 FIH Pro League, where the team failed to win a single match. Pakistan lost all 16 matches in the nine-team tournament, playing each of the other eight teams twice, and finished at the bottom of the standings with a goal difference of minus-57.
Earlier this year, Pakistan qualified for the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, ending an eight-year absence from the tournament. The team secured its place with a 4-3 victory over Japan in the semifinals of the World Cup Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt, on March 6, 2026.
The 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup will be held from Aug. 14 to Aug. 30, with Belgium and the Netherlands serving as co-hosts.
