Pakistan men’s hockey head coach Tahir Zaman has refused to travel to Dhaka for the upcoming three-match series, following a dispute with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding team selection. Zaman stated that repeated interference from the federation undermined his authority in choosing players, which led to his decision to step back.
The disagreement intensified after Rana Wahid and Hammad Anjum were added to the squad at the last moment. Both players reportedly joined training late due to commitments with foreign leagues, which angered Zaman, who emphasized that team selection should follow structured procedures and advance planning.
PHF secretary Rana Mujahid acknowledged the issue and assured that the federation is working to find an amicable solution. For now, team manager Mohammad Usman will act as head coach for the Dhaka tour.
The PHF also hinted that if such conflicts persist, it might consider foreign coaching appointments to maintain professional standards and team harmony.
This episode has reignited discussions about authority, transparency, and governance in Pakistan hockey. Fans and analysts believe that resolving these internal conflicts quickly is essential to allow players to focus on performance rather than politics. The incident underlines the importance of clear communication between the federation and coaching staff to ensure long-term success on the international stage.
