Pakistan men’s hockey team started their 2026 World Cup campaign on a sorry note on Saturday, losing 1-4 to England. The aforesaid match will also be remembered for a bizarre blunder by the Pakistan camp, resulting in Abu Bakar Mahmood, the captain, receiving a green card.
In the 17th minute of the game, Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner. At that moment, Pakistan were without their penalty corner protective equipment. So, a Pakistani player had to run back to the dugout to bring it in a black bag.
In that context, former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar took to X to highlight the fiasco. “Wow. Another unwanted record from Pakistan hockey. In the opening match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 against England, Pakistan reportedly forgot the penalty corner protective gear in the changing room. As a result, the captain received the green card. Forgetting essential protective equipment for penalty corners 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 organisation. 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,” he added.
Pakistan will next face Wales on August 17. That will be followed by a clash against their traditional rivals, India.
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