Pakistan’s national hockey team has suffered a double injury setback ahead of its preparations for the upcoming FIH Pro Hockey League, with two senior players ruled out during the training camp.
Sources confirmed that issues linked to the Astroturf at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore contributed to the injuries, raising fresh concerns over the team’s training conditions.
According to officials, the playing surface was also raised as a concern by players at the start of the final national camp.
During the camp, captain Imad Butt and senior player Sufyan Khan reportedly described the turf as slow. Several other squad members also highlighted difficulties in adapting to the surface.
Players further noted that the Astroturf had not been used extensively, which affected ball speed and the overall intensity of the game.
The situation worsened when two senior players, Sufyan Khan and Hannan Shahid, sustained injuries during training sessions. Both players have now been ruled out of the Pro Hockey League.
Abdul Manan and Basharat Ali have been named as replacements. According to team sources, both players were already included among the shortlisted players.
Concerns have also been raised within the camp about the physical strain placed on players because of the surface. There are fears that excessive pressure on joints and muscles has increased the risk of injury.
Sources added that no formal rehabilitation or medical management plan had been finalized for the injured players at the time of reporting.
Despite the setbacks, Pakistan is continuing its preparations for upcoming international commitments. Team management is expected to reassess the training conditions in the coming days.
The Green Shirts are scheduled to play their FIH Pro League match against Belgium on June 13. Their next fixture is against Spain the following day.
