The Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium in Dhaka came alive ahead of the Bangladesh-Pakistan three-match hockey series starting tomorrow. The series winner will qualify for the Hockey World Cup qualifiers. Pakistan, which missed the Asia Cup, was granted this playoff opportunity by the International Hockey Federation. Due to security concerns, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation has arranged extra protection, with Pakistan’s team to arrive at the venue 90 minutes early. Entry for spectators will be free to encourage attendance. Bangladesh’s Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman said the team aims to narrow the gap with Pakistan, while captain Rezaul Karim Babu emphasized the need for more domestic competitions. Pakistan’s coach Usman Ahmed and captain Ammad Shakeel Bhatt praised Bangladesh’s hospitality and the stadium’s atmosphere. Pakistan’s head coach Tahir Zaman withdrew from the tour citing internal issues.