Pakistan Hockey Captain Joins Australian Club

Pakistan's hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood has agreed to join Melbourne Cobras for Season 6 of Australia's Hockey One League. Mahmood, a defender and drag flick specialist, will arrive in Australia after Pakistan's participation in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where he leads the national team. Melbourne Cobras announced the signing on Instagram, praising Mahmood as the latest addition to its diversifying South Asian roster as they continue to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

Mahmood has been a consistent figure in Pakistan's international team for several years. He made his debut with the national Under-21 side in 2014 and continued to represent Pakistan for three years, securing two silver medals. In 2017, Mahmood transitioned to the senior national team and has since participated in various significant international tournaments.

He was recently appointed captain ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and led Pakistan during the competition. This move to Australia offers Mahmood more chances to compete against top-tier domestic and international players. The Melbourne Cobras are one of the newest franchises in the Hockey One League, becoming the eighth team after obtaining a license earlier this year.

The Hockey One competition, Australia's premier club hockey league, showcases both local and international players in both men's and women's divisions. Season 6 of the competition is set to commence from October 8 to December 6.