Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood warns India ahead of Hockey World Cup clash

Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood has said rankings will count for little when his team faces India in the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup on August 19. The Times of India reports Mahmood told PTI, 'I have no hesitation in accepting that the Indian team is much better than us in rankings, but in the India-Pakistan match, rankings don't matter. The performance on that day is important.'

Pakistan have not beaten India since June 2016. India are ranked higher and recently defeated Wales 3-1, while Pakistan lost 1-4 to England. Mahmood acknowledged India's achievements, including Olympic medals, but told Sports NDTV, 'We have come fully prepared this time.' Pakistan are returning to the World Cup after an eight-year absence.

The 28-year-old captain, the only player in the squad with previous World Cup experience, said the team aims to reach the last eight. Pakistan, four-time champions, have had a coaching change ahead of the tournament, with Bob-Johan Veldhof taking charge after Dutch head coach Herman Kruis returned home.