Asian Champions Trophy kicks off in Chennai today

CHENNAI: Pakistan will face Malaysia in their opening match of Asian Champions Trophy which kicks off in Indian city of Chennai today.

Besides three-time champion Pakistan, the six-nation tournament features hosts India, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and China.

Captained by stalwart Umar Bhutta, Pakistan’s squad is dominated by young players with limited international experience.

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India are scheduled to play on August 9 which is expected to be keenly followed by hockey-lovers in both countries.

Squad

Muhammad Umar Bhatta (c), Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtsham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (Vice Captain), Roman, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqoob, Muhammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz, Abdul Rahman, while the standby includes Ali Raza, Muhammad Baqir, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Abdul Wahab, Waqar Ali, Muhammad Arsalan and Abdul Qayyum.

Pakistan’s schedule

August 3 — vs Malaysia

August 4 — vs Korea

August 6 — vs Japan

August 7 — vs China

August 9 — vs India

See more: Pakistan hockey team awaits NOC for Asian Champions Trophy