Sports

‘Pakistan players willing to play World Series in India’

Former Pakistan captain Saqlain favours participation in the league.

Umar Farooq April 22, 2011

LAHORE:

Former Pakistan hockey captain Muhammad Saqlain has hinted that certain players are willing to play in the new multimillion dollar World Series in India even after being warned not to. The series replicates the pattern of the popular Indian Premier League but has been declared as a no-go area by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The world body warned all the affiliated hockey federations, including Pakistan, to inform their players not to participate in the tournament. Following the warning, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) issued notices to the senior players to cancel their World Series contracts while also vowing to ban all those who do not abide by the instructions.

However, Saqlain confirmed that officials of the World Series had contacted the Pakistani players during the 2010 World Cup in Delhi and are in constant contact. “Many players are in constant contact with the organisers and some also get some money in advance to play the event,” added Saqlain.

But the former captain, who is also reportedly an agent to arrange Pakistan players for the World Series, believes the league is a good opportunity for the seniors who are at the end of their careers.

“Azlan Shah Tournament will be the last international event for the seniors as the PHF is looking to induct new talent for the 2012 Olympics,” said Saqlain.

He also highlighted the fact that even after winning a gold medal in the Asian Games last year, the PHF has failed to convince sponsors to support the deteriorating condition of the sport.

Encouraging the players’ participation in the event, Saqlain argued that if they get better privileges in the league then nobody should stop them.

“Telling the players that they can’t participate in the league is ridiculous.

“They have to earn their bread and butter and since the PHF is not guaranteeing them a place in the team, the seniors are left with no choice but to participate in the World Series to make money,” said Saqlain.

Promotion of the sport

The former captain also maintained that the event will help promote hockey on an international level and may even lead to better sponsorships.

“Hockey is a neglected sport throughout the world and as a result there are no sponsorships. Other sports like cricket and football get far more attention and hence many more companies want to endorse the players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

Pagal Mullah | 13 years ago | Reply Only genuine players should be allowed to participate in such a prestigious event held in such a prestigious country. The organisers should ensure that terrorists trying to enter into kashmir are stopped well in advance and their nefarious designs defeated in the blocks. For the genuine international players coming from reputed nations (other than terrorist states) the Prestigious country welcomes everyone, Just like it did for the IPL.

Nasir | 13 years ago | Reply Players of all countries should not be restricted to participate in any private event unless it is interfering their commitment with their respective Hockey Federation. It is their right to play.

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