Pakistan’s return to the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup began with a 4-1 defeat to England and an awkward off-field moment that quickly became the talking point. In the middle of the first half, Pakistan were left scrambling for penalty-corner protective gear that had reportedly been forgotten in the changing room.
The incident came around the 17th minute, shortly after England had gone 1-0 ahead. Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar called out the blunder on X, questioning the team’s discipline and organisation on the biggest stage.
“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,” Salman wrote.
“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,” he added.
The scramble happened when England won a penalty corner and Pakistan realised the protective equipment was not readily available on the pitch. A player had to dash off to fetch it, with Salman sharing a picture of a Pakistan player carrying a large black bag onto the field. The delay ended with captain Abu Bakar Mahmood receiving a green card and spending two minutes on the sidelines.
HOW ENGLAND THRASHED PAKISTAN
The equipment mix-up was only one part of a difficult evening for Pakistan. England dictated the contest at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, taking the lead through Stuart Rushmere in the 12th minute before Sam Ward doubled their advantage in the second quarter.
Samuel Hooper made it 3-0 in the 31st minute and James Albery added another in the 47th. Pakistan eventually found a goal through Rehman Abdul Afraz in the 50th minute, but England comfortably closed out a 4-1 victory.
Pakistan, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after missing the 2023 edition, also failed to make their own chances count. They won two penalty corners but could not convert either.
For Salman, the bigger concern was what the bizarre episode said about preparation.
“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,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately, moments like this raise serious questions about how prepared we really are for the big stage.”
Pakistan now have little time to dwell on the defeat. They face Wales on August 17, followed by a much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals India on August 19.
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