Kolkata: The Indian men’s hockey team will kick off their World Cup on Aug 15 against Wales before taking on England two days later on Aug 17. They play their final Group D game against Pakistan on Aug 19, according to the schedule that was published by the FIH on Wednesday. Pakistan have qualified for the World Cup after missing out in 2023, and a clash between the two subcontinental rivals is always a potential humdinger. The two teams have faced off in the World Cup five times so far, and India have won three times, including the famous 2-1 victory in the 1975 final. Speaking about the grouping and specifically the Pakistan match, India coach Craig Fulton said, “We are happy with our draw in Pool D. England, Pakistan and Wales are a good group and we respect all three teams. The match against Pakistan will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, and we are looking forward to it all.” Meanwhile, the women’s team will open their campaign against China on Aug 16. The Sjoerd Marijne-coached side will then take on South Africa on Aug 18 before their last group game against England two days later on Aug 20. It promises to be a difficult group for the women’s team considering how England and China have fared against them in recent times, and they will have to play out of their skins to make sure they make it to the knockouts. “This is a very competitive and balanced pool. There are teams like England and China that bring different styles and a lot of experience, while the South Africa women’s national field hockey team is always unpredictable and dangerous on their day,” Marijne said in a release. “However, for us, it’s not about the draw — it’s about how we show up. At a World Cup, every match demands your best,” added the Dutch coach. The women’s squad will be going on tours to the US and Argentina, and will play practice matches in Germany, besides also competing at the Nations Cup in New Zealand. Similarly, the men’s team will also continue to play abroad ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games. “We’re going to be away from home a lot more. We will play in Malaysia against New Zealand and Australia, and then travel to Europe for the Pro League,” Fulton had earlier said. India’s WC Group matches: Men: vs Wales Aug 15, vs England Aug 17, vs Pakistan Aug 19; Women: vs China Aug 16, vs South Africa Aug 18, vs England Aug 20.

Pakistan’s hockey captain, Ammad Shakeel Butt, has slammed Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for its mismanagement after players were “left helpless” during their tour to Australia for the latest round of the FIH Pro League.

Videos of Pakistani players left stranded without accomodation in Australia were all over the internet a few days ago. However, Butt had clarified that the arrangements were fine. Now, back in Pakistan, the captain has said that he lied at that point to ensure his country was not defamed as the federation had told him that these videos were reaching India.

‘No one took responsibility’

Butt said that him and his team were left outdoors without any accomodation like “helpless people”.

“If I talk about the Australia tour, I will begin with the flights and hotel arrangements. After landing in Sydney, we were made to roam around near the Opera Street for 12 to 15 hours like helpless people. No one took responsibility for our team. There was no hotel arranged for us, and we were not given food on time,” he said.

He added that he was made to shut up on the mismanagement in the name of India.

“From Sydney, we then travelled to Hobart. Let me first clarify that whatever news reached Pakistan is completely true. The videos that were sent from my team and by me were real. However, we were told by our team management that the matter had reached India. When India was mentioned, I personally felt that this was about my country, and my country should not be defamed. So I made a video saying that everything was fine and no injustice was happening with the team. But in reality, that was not true. Whatever messages, videos, and reports came out are all true,” said Butt.

‘Management lied to us’

“The boys wake up and prepare their own breakfast. They wash dishes for two to three hours. They clean their bedrooms and toilets themselves. We have no proper rest time. The players have been mentally disturbed. How can we perform for Pakistan under such conditions?

“I don’t know whether the Sports Board is at fault or the Pakistan Hockey Federation is at fault. But one thing is certain — our team management has lied to us repeatedly,” said Butt.

“You asked who is responsible for the poor arrangements, poor accommodation, and poor food. I am holding the team management responsible. But I want to clarify that the Hockey Federation is also at fault. However, we do not directly communicate with the Federation; we communicate through team management,” he added.

Pakistan are at the bottom of the FIH Pro League standings with eight straight losses and no wins or draws.