2 min learnMumbaiMar 16, 2026 09:22 PM IST
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has turned to Australia’s Colin Batch because the nationwide crew’s new head coach within the lead-up to this 12 months’s World Cup.
Batch will take over from interim coach Khawaja Junaid, who guided the facet on the current World Cup qualifying occasion in Egypt. Pakistan completed runners-up after shedding the ultimate to England however secured qualification for the match correct, marking their return after an eight-year absence.
A Pakistan Hockey Federation official advised native media that phrases had been finalised with Batch, a former Australian worldwide who represented his nation in 175 matches and scored 100 objectives between 1979 and 1990.
The 67-year-old has beforehand held teaching roles in Belgium, New Zealand and Australia. He’s anticipated to hitch the Pakistan camp later this month, overseeing preparations for the third leg of the FIH Professional Nations Hockey League earlier than shifting focus to the World Cup.
Batch turns into the newest in a line of overseas coaches employed by Pakistan, following stints by Hans Jorritsma, Roelant Oltmans, Siegfried Aikman and Michel van den Heuvel.
Van den Heuvel’s tenure ended abruptly a month earlier than the 2012 Summer season Olympics following a dispute over funds, whereas Aikman stepped down halfway by his stint after months of unpaid wage.
The appointment additionally comes amid administrative turbulence inside Pakistan hockey. After the Professional Nations Cup in Australia final month — the place gamers reported lodging and logistical issues — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif put in an interim Pakistan Hockey Federation set-up to supervise the game’s administration.
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Regardless of the disaster, Pakistan certified for the World Cup, after lacking out on the earlier version, by reaching the finals of the qualifying match earlier this month. Pakistan completed prime of its group in Ismailia, forward of Malaysia, China and Austria, went on to beat Japan within the semifinals however misplaced to England within the finale.
The draw for the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium in August, shall be held in Amsterdam on Tuesday.