'Everyone wants to play cricket': Experts dissect Pakistan's decline in hockey
Experts and former players are expressing concern over the decline of Pakistan's national hockey team, citing a lack of young talent and the overwhelming popularity of cricket. The federation is planning new leagues, but players argue that immediate success in the Asian Games is necessary to revive interest.
Why it matters
The decline of a once-dominant national sport reflects broader challenges in sports infrastructure and talent development within Pakistan.
Pakistan’s poor showing at the ongoing Hockey World Cup has left former players deeply concerned about the state of the sport. The four-time champions have now gone 32 years without winning the title and were knocked out of the competition after another disappointing campaign.They will now play South Africa in the classification match for 11th place.Former internationals believe Pakistan hockey urgently needs young talent and better results to regain public interest. They also feel cricket’s growing dominance in the country is partly linked to hockey’s decline.Asian Games the immediate priorityThe Pakistan Hockey Federation has announced plans for a new hockey league and efforts to promote the sport in schools.
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