Pakistan hockey team captain Zeeshan Ashraf. - AFP (File Photo)
ISLAMABAD National hockey team captain Zeeshan Ashraf has offered to retire from international hockey following Pakistans poor performance in the World Cup.

“I am ready to quit and accept responsibility for the team's dismal show in the World Cup,” Zeeshan was quoted by Indian daily The Hindu.

The 12-team event saw four-time World Cup champions Pakistan finishing last in their pool with just one win in the group stage. They now face the ignominy of playing the 11th-12th position playoff against Canada.“I am ready to retire but it is the Pakistan Hockey Federation which will decide my future,” said the seasoned defender.

Pakistans hockey chiefs will meet in Lahore soon after the World Cup to take a decision on the future of the under-performing senior players.—APP

Opinion

Editorial

Collective security
Updated 12 Mar, 2026

Collective security

Regional states need to sit down and talk. They must also pledge and work towards collective security.
Spectrum leap
12 Mar, 2026

Spectrum leap

THE sale of 480 MHz of fifth-generation telecom spectrum for $507m is a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital...
Toxic fallout
12 Mar, 2026

Toxic fallout

WARS can leave environmental scars that remain long after the fighting is over. The strikes on Iran’s oil...
Token austerity
Updated 11 Mar, 2026

Token austerity

The ‘austerity’ measures are a ritualistic response to public anger rather than a sincere attempt to reform state spending.
Lebanon on fire
11 Mar, 2026

Lebanon on fire

WHILE the entire Gulf region has become an active warzone, repercussions of this conflict have spread to the...
Canine crisis
11 Mar, 2026

Canine crisis

KARACHI’S stray dog crisis requires urgent attention. Feral canines can cause serious and lasting physical and...