Pakistan's road to the FIH Men’s World Cup just got a clearer map. On Wednesday, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) unveiled a 20-member squad in Islamabad, keeping Abu Bakr Mahmood at the helm while leaving one leadership slot open until Friday. Chief selector Samiullah Khan spoke to Dawn from the capital, offering a blend of hope and realism about the team's chances against formidable group-stage opponents. Main Developments Abu Bakr Mahmood retains the captaincy, but the vice-captain position remains unfilled, with an announcement expected by Friday. The squad was a joint effort between national selectors and the recently-appointed foreign coaching staff, signaling a collaborative approach to team building. Head coach Herman Kruis, currently in the Netherlands on a pre-assignment, will link up with the squad upon their arrival. The team management includes Mohammad Awais Qarni as team manager, with Bob Johan Veldhof as head coach, supported by assistant coaches Christopher Bowen and Adnan Zakir, and video technician Ashraf Sultan. Read also: Pakistan Coach Says World Cup Not Main Target, Asian Games Priority The squad features a mix of seasoned players and fresh faces, with goalkeepers Waqar and Ali Raza providing depth. Notable inclusions span midfield and forward lines, though the selectors have kept the core intact from recent campaigns. Background Pakistan’s preparation has been buoyed by an ongoing home series against South Korea, where they have established an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match Test series. That momentum, Samiullah said, has lifted the team’s confidence ahead of the global tournament. Historically, Pakistan have struggled against top-tier sides, and the current world ranking of 12th reflects those challenges. The group-stage draw pits them against India, Wales, and England—a mix of a regional rival, an emerging side, and a perennial powerhouse. Why It Matters The World Cup represents a critical test for Pakistan hockey, which has been rebuilding under new leadership. A strong showing could restore faith in the sport at home, while early elimination would deepen concerns about the team’s competitiveness on the international stage. Samiullah’s cautious optimism highlights the fine margins at play: a draw against India could open the door to a win over Wales, but England’s elite status looms large. The squad’s performance will also reflect on the effectiveness of the foreign coaching staff integration. What's Next The vice-captain announcement on Friday will finalize the leadership structure. The team is expected to depart for the Netherlands, where Kruis will join them for pre-tournament preparations. All eyes will be on the group-stage opener, with Pakistan needing to translate home-series confidence into results against higher-ranked opponents. The coming weeks will reveal whether this squad can defy expectations or if the rankings gap proves too wide to bridge.