Sources within the federation revealed that Tahir Zaman was unhappy with the PHF’s decision to appoint Anjum Saeed as the team manager. The relationship between the head coach and the manager reportedly remained strained throughout the tour, with frequent disagreements particularly over team selection and operational matters
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s poor performance in the FIH Pro League matches played in Argentina has once again exposed the deep-rooted problems plaguing the country’s hockey system. While the team failed to register a single victory, the outcome was largely expected given Pakistan’s low world ranking and limited exposure at the highest level of international hockey.
Ranked 14th in the world, Pakistan entered the Pro League not through direct qualification but after New Zealand declined participation. Against elite, well-prepared teams, Pakistan’s task was always going to be difficult. However, beyond technical gaps and lack of depth, internal issues within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) further compounded the team’s struggles and negatively affected player morale.
One of the major controversies during the tour was the premature return of head coach Tahir Zaman to Pakistan midway through the competition. His departure triggered unnecessary speculation and confusion within hockey circles. Officially, Tahir Zaman cited his daughter’s wedding, scheduled for December 20 and planned well in advance, as the reason for his return. However, insiders suggest that the situation was far more complex.
Sources within the federation revealed that Tahir Zaman was unhappy with the PHF’s decision to appoint Anjum Saeed as the team manager. The relationship between the head coach and the manager reportedly remained strained throughout the tour, with frequent disagreements particularly over team selection and operational matters. These repeated clashes eventually culminated in Tahir Zaman’s decision to leave the team, further destabilizing an already fragile setup.
Such internal grouping and lack of unity at the top have long been cited as key reasons behind Pakistan hockey’s consistent decline. Players, already under pressure due to tough opposition and limited resources, were further demoralized by off-field disputes. In modern international hockey, where preparation, planning, and cohesion are critical, such instability inevitably reflects in on-field performances.
From a purely technical standpoint, Pakistan struggled across departments during the Argentina fixtures, but the most alarming weakness was in goalkeeping. The goalkeeping unit was badly exposed, with no keeper demonstrating consistency or composure at a world-class level. In contemporary hockey, goalkeepers are the backbone of a team, often deciding matches through crucial saves. Weak goalkeeping not only results in goals conceded but also undermines the confidence of defenders and midfielders, affecting the overall team structure.
Pakistan now faces an urgent need to identify, groom, and invest in quality goalkeepers capable of competing at the international level. Without addressing this critical position, progress will remain limited regardless of improvements elsewhere.
Despite the dismal results, it would be unfair to label the players as incapable. The current squad is largely underdone compared to other Pro League teams, lacking regular high-intensity international exposure. Playing against the world’s best, even in defeat, provides invaluable experience something Pakistan hockey has been deprived of for years.
While Pakistan may continue to struggle in the remaining Pro League matches and may not secure victories, participation itself holds long-term value. Exposure to top-level competition can help players develop confidence, tactical awareness, and mental toughness. Such experiences, if supported by stability and proper planning, can eventually translate into improved performances.
However, exposure alone is not enough. Without resolving administrative conflicts, ensuring professional management, and establishing a unified vision, Pakistan hockey will continue to underperform. The Pro League campaign should serve as a wake-up call for the PHF: structural reform, merit-based decisions, and harmony between officials and coaches are as important as talent development.
Pakistan hockey’s revival will not come overnight. But acknowledging internal failures, investing in key positions like goalkeeping, and creating a stable, professional environment are essential first steps toward reclaiming lost glory.
