The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed Abu Bakar as the new captain of the Pakistan national hockey team on the recommendation of its Professional Development Committee.
According to a PHF statement, the recommendation was made by the committee comprising Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hassan Sardar, and approved by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The federation said Abu Bakar will lead the national side as Pakistan prepares for upcoming international competitions.
He succeeded Amaad Butt, who served as Pakistan’s captain.
In the statement, the PHF expressed appreciation for Ahmad Butt’s contribution and commitment to the national team, adding that he will continue to remain part of the Pakistan squad as a senior player.
The federation said it is confident that, under Abu Bakar’s leadership and with the experience of senior players alongside younger members of the squad, the team will continue to develop into a competitive unit.
The appointment comes after Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign in the FIH Pro League 2026, where the team finished without a single victory. Pakistan lost all 16 of their matches in the nine-team tournament, playing each of the other eight participating nations twice, and ended at the bottom of the standings with a goal difference of -57.
Earlier in March this year, Pakistan secured qualification for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, ending an eight-year absence from the tournament. They booked their place with a 4-3 victory over Japan in the semi-finals of the World Cup Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt, on March 6, 2026.
The 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup will be held from August 14 to August 30, with Belgium and the Netherlands serving as co-hosts.
