Pakistan endured a disappointing start to their FIH Menโs Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign, falling 4โ1 to England in their Pool D opener.
Pakistan began their campaign at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 with a 4-1 defeat to England on Saturday.
But an unusual situation during the match left the entire team and nation red-faced after they left their penalty-corner protective gear behind, leading to a delay in the Hockey World Cup pool-stage match.
Pakistan forget protective gear, scramble to find it back
The incident took place in the 17th minute after England won a penalty corner right after they picked up a 1-0 lead in the competition. Players of the Pakistan hockey team realised they did not have the protective gear available on the pitch.
One of the players had to run off to fetch the gear and brought a bag back onto the field, leading to a delay in the competition.
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Pakistan captain Abu Bakar had received a green card for the delay and had to spend two minutes on the sidelines.
Ex-Pakistan captain left fuming over scenario
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbarย was fuming over the awkward situation, calling out the entire team’s lack of professionalism on international hockey’s biggest stage. He raised serious concern about whether the team is truly prepared to perform on the big stage.
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“Forgetting essential protective equipment for penalty corners that simply cannot happen on the biggest stage of international hockey. Preparation is not just about tactics, fitness and skills. It is also about discipline and organization.
“The World Cup demands the highest level of professionalism. Unfortunately, moments like this raise serious questions about how prepared we really are for the big stage,” Salman wrote on ‘X’.
Pakistan will now face off against Wales on August 17, followed by the electrifying clash against India on August 19.