Pakistan forget penalty-corner gear, get green card at Hockey World Cup

Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood was shown a green card during their 1-4 defeat to England in the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 after the team forgot their penalty-corner protective gear in the changing room, reports Times of India. The incident occurred in the 17th minute, forcing a player to sprint back to retrieve the equipment, while the captain served a two-minute penalty on the sidelines.

Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar called it an 'unwanted record' on X, criticising the lack of preparation and organisation. 'Forgetting essential protective equipment for penalty corners simply cannot happen on the biggest stage of international hockey,' he wrote, as quoted by Times of India. NDTV Profit reports that Akbar described the blunder as a deeper problem beyond tactics and fitness.

Pakistan now need a strong response in their remaining Pool D matches, with India also in the group.