The Pakistan hockey team, reportedly unhappy with recent developments, has traveled to Egypt for a key World Cup qualifier under the guidance of interim head coach Khawaja Junaid, who was banned for life in 2023 by a national federation inquiry. A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesperson said, “Junaid will oversee the team, and interim president Muhuyuddin Wani appointed him due to the limited time before the World Cup qualifiers.”

A PHF source revealed that the players are dissatisfied with Junaid’s appointment. They had requested the federation to hire Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans for the tournament. The source added that captain Ammad Butt even tried contacting Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi but was unsuccessful. Junaid, an Olympian, is unpopular among players due to his previous record with both senior and junior national teams.

In 2023, an independent PHF inquiry committee banned Junaid from all hockey activities for life after he mishandled a crucial Asia Cup match against Japan, which Pakistan lost, costing them an Olympic qualification. At the time, as coach and manager, he mistakenly sent 12 players onto the field, resulting in a goal being disallowed.

The World Cup qualifying tournament in Ismailia, Egypt, from March 1 to 7, represents Pakistan’s last chance to secure a spot in this year’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Eight teams are competing for three remaining places, with nine teams already qualified. The two finalists and the bronze medal winner from Ismailia will earn berths for the World Cup. Pakistan has been drawn in a group with Austria, Malaysia, and China, while the other group features England, Egypt, Japan, and the USA.