Pakistan hockey turns to Australian great Colin Batch ahead of this year’s World Cup

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Colin Batch, a former Australian international, as the national team's new head coach in the lead-up to this year's World Cup. Batch, a 67-year-old former Australian international, has previously held coaching roles in Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia. He is expected to join the Pakistan camp later this month, overseeing preparations for the third leg of the FIH Pro Nations Hockey League before shifting focus to the World Cup.

This appointment comes amid administrative turbulence within Pakistan hockey. The Pakistan Hockey Federation has been plagued by issues, including unpaid salaries and logistical problems. Despite these challenges, Pakistan qualified for the World Cup by reaching the finals of the qualifying tournament earlier this month.

The draw for the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium in August, will be held in Amsterdam on Tuesday.