The Pakistan national hockey team arrived in Dhaka at around 2 am last night to play a three-match playoff series, aiming to secure qualification for the Hockey World Cup. However, tension surfaced within the squad just before their arrival. Head coach Tahir Zaman withdrew from the tour at the last minute. The Bangladesh Hockey Federation confirmed that he did not accompany the team to Dhaka.
According to Pakistani sports media outlet Pro Sports, Tahir Zaman refused to travel with the team due to disagreements with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Reports indicate that he has begun formal consultations with his close associates regarding his resignation, citing frustration over internal conflicts related to player selection for the Bangladesh tour.
At the centre of the controversy were two players who joined the team after the official national training camp had concluded. Zaman opposed their inclusion, while PHF officials supported it. This deadlock ultimately led to the coach’s withdrawal from the tour, highlighting significant discord within the squad.
Tahir Zaman is a well-known figure in Bangladesh, having played club hockey in the country and also served in coaching roles. He is regarded as one of Pakistan’s all-time greatest hockey players, having been a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 1990 Asian Games and also part of the legendary 1994 World Cup-winning squad.
The Bangladesh–Pakistan playoff series will take place at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on 13, 14, and 16 November. The winning team will earn the opportunity to compete in the World Cup qualifiers. Bangladesh, having finished sixth in the last Asia Cup, is required to play in this playoff series.
Pakistan did not participate in the Asia Cup held in India. However, under the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) new regulations, they have been granted the opportunity to compete against Bangladesh.
With Tahir Zaman absent, interim coaching duties for the tour have been taken up by Osman Ahmed and Zishan Ashraf, who will guide the team throughout this crucial series.