Lahore, July 29, 2026: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed experienced forward Abu Bakar Mahmood as the new captain of the national men’s hockey team, replacing Ammad Butt who had led the side for 14 years.
The decision was approved by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani on the recommendation of the federation’s Professional Development Committee, comprising former Pakistan hockey legends Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hassan Sardar.
In an official statement, the PHF confirmed Abu Bakar’s appointment and praised Ammad Butt’s services to Pakistan hockey, stating that he would continue as a senior member of the national squad.
“The President Pakistan Hockey Federation Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, on the recommendation of the Professional Development Committee comprising Mr. Islahuddin Siddiqui and Mr. Hassan Sardar, has appointed Mr. Abu Bakar as the new captain of the Pakistan national hockey team,” the federation said.
“He succeeds Mr. Ammad Butt, who has served Pakistan hockey with distinction for the past 14 years. The PHF expresses its deep appreciation for Ammad Butt’s commitment to the national team. He will continue to remain a member of the Pakistan squad as a senior player,” it added.
Ammad Butt played a key role in Pakistan’s qualification for the FIH World Cup 2026, guiding the team to a runners-up finish in the global qualifiers in March and securing the country’s first World Cup berth since 2018.
The leadership change comes after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the FIH Pro League, where the national team lost all 16 of its matches. The decision was announced just over two weeks before the start of the FIH World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign on the opening day against England. The Green Shirts will face Wales in their second group-stage match on August 17 before taking on arch-rivals India in their final group match on August 19.
The PHF expressed hope that the new leadership arrangement would help Pakistan revive its international hockey fortunes and achieve improved results on the global stage.
