National hockey squad announced for European tour

In preparation for the 2022 Asian Games, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has named a 20-member squad for their upcoming European tour.

Umar Bhutta will lead the team, with Ali Shan as his deputy, when the Men in Green resume their international schedule after a two-year break.

Following the consent of PHF president Khalid Sajjad Khokar, the 20-member team is announced. The squad will leave on April 22 for the Netherlands, where they will face the Dutch in the first match of the trip on April 26.

In a seven-match tour, the Green Shirts will face the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and France. The tour, according to PHF officials, would assist Pakistani players to develop their skills and prepare them for upcoming mega-events such as the important Asian Games.

To qualify for the 2023 Hockey World Cup, Pakistan must get to the semi-finals of the Asian Games in 2022.