Pakistan suffered a disappointing start to the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, losing 1-4 to England in a Pool D match in Amstelveen. But even more embarrassing was a bizarre blunder during the game, for which Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood received an official warning from the referee. The incident left former captain Salman Akbar appalled.
A player was even seen running back to the dressing room to fetch it. Taking to X, he wrote: “Wow. Another unwanted record from Pakistan hockey. “The World Cup demands the highest level of professionalism. Unfortunately, moments like this raise serious questions about how prepared we really are for the big stage. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, while Sanjay also found the net from a set piece.
The incident occurred in the 17th minute, shortly after England had taken a 1-0 lead, when Pakistan were left scrambling for their penalty-corner protective gear. In the opening match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 against England, Pakistan reportedly forgot the penalty corner protective gear in the changing room. India, who are part of the same Pool D, started their campaign on a winning note, beating lower-ranked Wales 3-1.
As a result, the captain received the green card.
The team had forgotten the equipment in the changing room, according to Akbar’s social media post. The former Pakistan captain was stunned by the lack of discipline and organisation during a tournament as big as the World Cup, calling it “another unwanted record”.
India will face England next, with the European side expected to pose a significantly tougher examination. The two teams had a closely fought encounter in the London leg of the Pro League leading up to the World Cup. England finished runners-up behind Belgium, while India finished eighth among the nine teams.
