Three practice matches confirmed for Pakistan in Malaysia

KARACHI: The Pakistan senior hockey team will play three practice matches in Malaysia ahead of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup, scheduled to be held from June 15 to 21, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed The News on Monday that the organizers have confirmed that the Green Shirts will play three practice matches before the main event. These matches are scheduled against France on May 9, South Africa on May 10, and Korea on May 13.

Sources added that these matches will help the team prepare for the competition and allow the players to acclimatize to the conditions. It is worth mentioning that all participating teams in the Nations Cup, except Japan and Wales, are ranked higher than Pakistan.

The Pakistan team is expected to reach Malaysia in the first week of June, according to sources. Meanwhile, the second phase of the national training camp commenced in Islamabad on Monday, with 35 players reporting for training.

It is also worth noting that the camp began a few days late due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. Initially, the PHF had directed players to report by May 8. The Pakistan senior team will play three intra-squad practice matches during the camp against a side comprising junior players and others participating in the camp. These matches are scheduled for May 16, 17, and 19.