Pakistan men’s hockey head coach Tahir Zaman has decided not to travel to Dhaka for an upcoming three-match series. His decision comes after disagreements with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) over team selection.
Zaman cited interference from the federation as the main reason for stepping back, saying that his authority over choosing players was being undermined.
The controversy started when Rana Wahid and Hammad Anjum were added to the team at the last minute. Both players joined the training camp late because of their commitments in foreign hockey leagues.
This move reportedly upset the head coach, as he believes team selection should follow proper procedures and planning rather than sudden changes.
PHF secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed the situation and said that the federation is working to resolve the matter in the best interest of the team. In the meantime, team manager Mohammad Usman will take charge as head coach for the series in Dhaka.
The federation has also indicated that if these disputes continue, it may explore hiring foreign coaches to ensure smooth management and professional guidance for the national team.
This incident has sparked discussions about governance, team management and the role of the federation in coaching decisions. Fans and stakeholders are closely watching the developments, hoping that the matter is resolved quickly so that the players can focus on the series without distractions.
The situation highlights the challenges in balancing coaching authority and federation oversight, and the importance of clear communication and planning for the success of Pakistan hockey on the international stage.
