To qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Pakistan hockey team leaves for the all important Hockey World League’s semifinal round in London. Pakistan had failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2014 and also the Olympics in 2016.
To acclimatize with the conditions, prior to the London event, Pakistan would play a 3 test series against Ireland in Belfast. The tests are scheduled on 1st June, 3rd June and 4th June. Two matches against Ireland’s under 21 side will also be played on 6th and 7th June.
- Talking to the media the team members commented:
- Head Coach Khawaja Junaid when asked about Pakistan’s tough pool in London. He replied, “We will take every match seriously. These days no team is a pushover. Boys’ shortcomings seen in Australia and New Zealand have been worked upon in the camp.”
- Captain Haseem Khan was also optimistic, “Some people are repeatedly asking if we would be under pressure in the match against India. As the coach has said, all the matches are equally important; India are just one of the opponents. Our aim is to achieve good results and qualify for the World Cup.”
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