ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has not yet finalized whether Imad Shakeel Butt will continue as captain of the national team for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup.
According to officials, Chief Selector Olympian Samiullah and his selection committee will pick the squad for the mega event. However, the question of captaincy remains under consideration.
Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui, Joint Secretary of the PHF, said that national team trials will be held again after the conclusion of the Pro League matches in Belgium and England. He added that a final decision regarding the captaincy will be taken closer to the World Cup, based on Imad Shakeel Butt’s fitness and performance.
He clarified that Imad Shakeel Butt has not been appointed as a long-term captain and is given leadership responsibilities on a series-to-series basis.
Imad Shakeel Butt, 30, has represented Pakistan in 178 international matches, scoring 15 goals. He has been leading the national side since 2024 and is expected to captain the team during the ongoing Pro League fixtures in Europe.
The FIH Hockey World Cup is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands and Belgium in August this year, with Pakistan aiming to finalize its squad and leadership in the coming weeks.
