Pakistan forget penalty-corner gear in World Cup opener as England win 4-1 in Amstelveen
Pakistan's return to the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup began on August 16, 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen with a 4-1 defeat to England and an on-field delay after Pakistan reportedly forgot their penalty-corner protective gear. Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar criticised the oversight on X, calling it an “unwanted record.”
The equipment mix-up occurred around the 17th minute, shortly after England had taken a 1-0 lead, when a Pakistan player had to leave the pitch to fetch protective gear from the changing room. Salman shared a picture of a Pakistan player carrying a large black bag onto the field. The incident culminated with captain Abu Bakar Mahmood receiving a green card and spending two minutes on the sidelines.
England opened the scoring through Stuart Rushmere in the 12th minute and doubled their advantage when Sam Ward scored in the second quarter. Samuel Hooper made it 3-0 in the 31st minute and James Albery extended the lead in the 47th minute before Rehman Abdul Afraz pulled one back for Pakistan in the 50th minute, leaving the final score 4-1.
The match report said England dictated the contest at the Wagener Hockey Stadium while Pakistan struggled to convert chances. Pakistan won two penalty corners during the game but failed to score from either opportunity.
Pakistan were appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after missing the 2023 edition, and the off-field episode drew particular attention given the occasion. Salman Akbar posted on X: "Wow. Another unwanted record from Pakistan hockey. 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. As a result, the captain received the green card," Salman wrote.
He added further criticism on preparation and organisation, posting: "Forgetting essential protective equipment for penalty corners that simply cannot happen on the biggest stage of international hockey. Preparation is not just about tactics, fitness and skills. It is also about discipline and organization. The World Cup demands the highest level of professionalism," he wrote.
Pakistan have two World Cup group matches remaining, against Wales on August 17 and then arch-rivals India on August 19.
