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Pakistan Hockey Shocker: Foreign Coach Replaced by Local Legend
8 Apr
Summary
- Colin Batch replaced by Manzoor ul Hasan as head coach.
- Players expressed shock and concern over the sudden change.
- Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has made a significant coaching change, replacing Australian head coach Colin Batch with former Olympian Manzoor ul Hasan. This decision has reportedly been met with shock by the players, who had expressed satisfaction with Batch's guidance. Manzoor ul Hasan, a celebrated defender from the 1970s and 1980s, will now lead the team for the upcoming FIH Pro Nations League and the World Cup.
The interim PHF setup has also formed a new national selection committee, headed by Olympian Samiullah Khan. This committee includes several other former players. Some players, currently participating in foreign leagues, are reportedly planning to communicate with the interim PHF President to advocate for the return of a foreign coach.
Pakistan recently secured qualification for the World Cup, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands, after an eight-year absence from the tournament. The PHF stated that these appointments were made based on recommendations from its Professional Development Committee. Ayaz Mahmood has been named the head coach for the Pakistan junior team.
