Daijiworld Media Network – Lahore

Lahore, Aug 6: Pakistan chief selector Samiullah Khan has expressed confidence that his team can hold India to a draw in the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, saying the side has the ability to compete strongly despite returning to the tournament after an eight-year absence.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in their Pool D clash on August 9 during the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Pakistan on Wednesday announced a 20-member squad for the tournament, marking its return to the FIH World Cup after missing the previous edition.

Speaking after the squad announcement, former Pakistan captain Samiullah said India would be a challenging opponent but believed his team was capable of avoiding defeat.

"Realistically, the key is holding India at least to a draw, and we have the capacity to beat Wales. Our toughest opponent is England, who are ranked much higher, while we are currently 12th in the FIH rankings," he said.

According to reports, Pakistan's team director and chief coach Herman Kruis will join the squad directly in the Netherlands, where he is currently engaged in a pre-tournament assignment.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also appointed two foreign coaches, Bob Johan Veldhof and Christopher Bowen, to assist Kruis during the tournament.

Samiullah said the final squad was selected jointly by the national selectors and the newly appointed foreign coaching staff.

Pool D comprises India, Pakistan, England and Wales.

Both India and Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaigns against England in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on August 15 before meeting each other later in the group stage.