Pattaya Claims Chonburi Cup Title at Provincial People’s and Senior Football Championship

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is preparing to appoint a foreign coach for the national women’s hockey team in a move aimed at strengthening player development and improving the team’s international competitiveness. According to sources familiar with the matter, the PHF is currently in discussions with a European coach to take charge of the women’s national side. The negotiations are progressing, and officials are hopeful that an agreement will be finalized by the end of this month. The proposed appointment is part of the federation’s broader strategy to modernize women’s hockey and provide players with greater exposure to international coaching methods and high-performance training. Sources said the incoming coach would also oversee a series of training tours across Europe. These tours are expected to give Pakistan’s women hockey players the opportunity to compete against stronger opposition, gain valuable match experience and adapt to international standards of play. In addition to coaching the national squad, the foreign coach is likely to play a key role in organizing practice matches and training camps during overseas visits. These fixtures are expected to help the team improve its tactical awareness, fitness levels and overall performance ahead of future international competitions. The move reflects the PHF’s growing focus on rebuilding women’s hockey, which has struggled to maintain a consistent presence on the international stage in recent years. Officials believe that exposure to European coaching techniques and competitive environments could accelerate the team’s progress. While the federation has yet to make an official announcement regarding the coach’s identity, insiders say discussions are in the final stages and optimism is high that the appointment will soon be confirmed. If finalized, the hiring of a European coach would mark an important step in Pakistan’s efforts to revive women’s hockey and create a stronger pathway for future success at regional and global tournaments.

PORT OF SPAIN: Pakistan’s team selection for the second Test against the West Indies has triggered widespread debate after experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was left out of the playing XI despite delivering a match-winning five-wicket haul in the previous Test. The unexpected decision has raised eyebrows among cricket experts and fans, with many describing it as one of the most unusual selection calls in Pakistan’s recent Test history. Abbas was Pakistan’s standout performer in the opening Test at Tarouba, finishing with eight wickets across the match, including a brilliant five-wicket haul in one innings. Despite his efforts, Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat, largely due to a disappointing batting display. However, instead of retaining their leading bowler, the team management opted to hand Ubaid Shah his Test debut for the series-deciding second match. Pakistan captain Babar Azam defended the move, saying the decision was based on pitch conditions and part of four changes made to the playing XI. According to Babar, the management believed the conditions in Port of Spain required a different bowling combination, and Abbas was rested with those factors in mind. The decision has nevertheless sparked criticism, particularly because bowlers who claim five wickets in an innings are rarely omitted from the very next Test. Cricket statisticians pointed out that this is believed to be the first time since 1980 that a Pakistan bowler has been dropped immediately after taking a five-wicket haul in a Test innings. The last comparable case dates back to Pakistan’s 1979-80 tour of India, when Ehteshamuddin was left out after claiming five wickets in an innings to make room for the returning Imran Khan. The debate intensified after Ubaid Shah endured a difficult start to his Test career. On the opening day of the second Test, the young pacer conceded 56 runs in just nine overs, making him Pakistan’s most expensive bowler of the day despite picking up a wicket. His costly spell has prompted fresh questions over whether the management made the right call by overlooking Abbas, whose experience and consistency have long been valued in red-ball cricket. With the series on the line, Pakistan’s selection strategy is now under intense scrutiny. Whether the bold gamble pays off could have a significant impact on the outcome of the Test and may shape discussions over team selection in the months ahead.