FILE PHOTO: Acknowledging that the Indian hockey team is a tough opponent, Butt (left) said Pakistan is prepared this time to give a good fight. | Photo Credit: AFP

Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt is ready to take on arch-rival India in the upcoming FIH Pro League and the 2026 Hockey World Cup in Belgium and The Netherlands.

Acknowledging that the Indian hockey team is a tough opponent, Butt said Pakistan is prepared this time to give a good fight.

“We have not been able to produce good results against India in a while now so this time we are preparing hard because if we can beat them it will give us a lot of confidence,” he said.

India and Pakistan will play twice in the fourth phase of the FIH Pro League in England on June 23 and 28 before clashing again on August 19 in the World Cup.

“India is a very strong opponent and matches against them are always highly competitive. However, Pakistan also has a strong team, and we will put in our best effort to try and secure a victory against India,” he said.

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The World Cup, for which Pakistan has qualified after eight years, will be co-hosted by Belgium and The Netherlands from August 15 to 30.

Sixteen teams, including four-time champion Pakistan, has been divided into four pools. Pool A includes the Netherlands, Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Pool B features Belgium, defending champion Germany, France, and Malaysia. Pool C includes Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa, while Pool D consists of India, Pakistan, England and Wales.

Butt said that preparations for the two big events were continuing round the clock in the training camp.

The captain admitted that Pakistan need to correct the mistakes made during its last eight Pro League matches. He said the coaching staff is focusing on the team’s attack, short corners, and overall fitness.

“We are working hard to rectify the mistakes made in the last eight matches of the Pro League. Special attention is being given to improving our attack, short corners, and overall fitness. Under the coaching of Manzoor-ul-Hassan Senior, we are striving to further enhance our performance,” he stated.

Published on May 18, 2026