Pak hockey team retires after World Cup disaster

New Delhi, Mar 11 : Pakistan's 18-member hockey team announced their retirement from the international game following the four-time champions' worst ever finish in the Hockey World Cup.

The hockey team's decision came hours after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) sacked its hockey team officials and dissolved the national selection committee.

The Pakistan team lost 2-3 to Canada and finished last in the World Cup. It was their worst ever finish in the World Cup.

In a media statement, team manager Shahzad Malik said: "All the 18 Pakistan hockey players will retire from international hockey after their poor performance on the World Cup."

Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf said that all the 18 players feel that they are responsible for the defeat and have decided to retire from international hockey.

Ashraf said that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have done a lot for the players, but the players have failed to deliver.

"We will support PHF and we will also be available if Pakistan needs any player any time."

Earlier in the day the PHF, in a statement, said: "Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Qasim Zia has dissolved the team management and National Selection Committee after the poor performance of the team in World Cup,"