Pakistan Appoints Australian Colin Batch as Men's Hockey Head Coach Ahead of World Cup

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Australian Colin Batch as the new head coach of the men's national team ahead of the 2023 FIH World Cup. Batch, a former Australian international with coaching experience in Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia, replaces interim coach Khawaja Junaid. Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after finishing runners-up in the qualifying tournament in Egypt, marking their return after eight years. The appointment follows administrative challenges within Pakistan hockey, including player complaints during the recent Pro Nations Cup and the installation of an interim PHF setup by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.