Key Takeaways
- Abu Bakar Mahmood to play for Melbourne Cobras in Australia’s Hockey One League.
- Ahmad Nadeem to represent Hockey Club de Nantes in France.
- Players will continue to represent Pakistan’s national team.
Pakistan’s top hockey stars, Abu Bakar Mahmood and Ahmad Nadeem, are set to feature in foreign leagues, enhancing their international exposure and skills.
Abu Bakar Mahmood, the captain of the Pakistan national team, will play for Melbourne Cobras in Australia’s Hockey One League, starting from mid-October. This marks the debut of the Melbourne Cobras as the eighth franchise in the league.
Mahmood, a defender and drag-flick specialist, has represented Pakistan at both junior and senior levels, making his international debut with the U21 team in 2014 and joining the senior side in 2017. He was appointed captain for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and led the national team at the Asian Games in Japan.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Nadeem, a forward, will play for Hockey Club de Nantes in France, where he will feature in six matches over the next one and a half months. Nadeem previously played for Douai and Lambersart before joining Nantes in 2025 and returned in March 2026 following international commitments.
Nadeem has also represented Pakistan in major international competitions, including the FIH Pro League, Asian Champions Trophy, and the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. In an earlier interview, he highlighted the benefits of playing alongside athletes from different countries, stating that it has helped him develop his game and gain a better understanding of European hockey.
Both players will continue their club careers overseas while remaining part of Pakistan’s national hockey setup, ensuring that their international experience benefits the national team.
The move is seen as a significant step in the development of Pakistan’s hockey players, providing them with the opportunity to compete against top international talent and improve their skills.
The players’ experiences in foreign leagues are expected to contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s hockey program and enhance the team’s performance in future competitions.
