KARACHI:
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selection committee ended days of speculation by naming seasoned campaigner Mohammad Imran as team captain while announcing the squad for next month’s Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Malaysia from May 5.
The selectors also named the experienced trio of Shakeel Abbasi, Rehan Butt and Waseem Ahmad in the squad. The trio were served show-cause notices for their connection with the Indian World Series of Hockey that has failed to get recognition from International Hockey Federation.
According to a PHF official, the trio got the clearance after they assured the federation of staying away from the lucrative league.
The announcement of team captain, however, became the centre of speculation after Zeeshan Ashraf withdrew from the tournament, leaving all the experienced players in contention for the post he vacated. However, the selection committee stuck with Imran who was serving as Ashraf’s deputy for some time.
“Imran is performing well and is the best choice,” chief selector Hanif Khan told reporters after the conclusion of the two-day trials. He added that the squad was selected keeping London 2012 in mind. “It is the best pool of players available considering the fitness levels. It includes seniors who can represent Pakistan at the Olympics. In terms of fitness, the squad is better than the one that won gold in the Asian Games.”
Abbasi has been appointed vice-captain while short-corner specialist Sohail Abbas was also included. Shafqat Rasool has been rested after failing to recover from illness.
‘Dutch coach to stay’
Meanwhile, PHF President Qasim Zia announced that Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel will stay with the team till the Olympics.
“The PHF is happy with his performance,” said Zia. “The players have improved under him and we’re expecting good results under his supervision.”
PHF requests for blue turfs
Zia also confirmed that the federation has requested the government to assist in laying blue AstroTurfs which will be used in the Olympics.
“We want blue turfs for our Olympics preparations and have sought the government’s assistance in this regard.”
Pakistan
Mohammad Imran (captain), Shakeel Abbasi, Imran Shah, Kashif Shah, Sohail Abbas, Muhammad Rizwan Junior, Waseem Ahmed, Muhammad Rashid, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Tousiq, Waqas Sharif, Rehan Butt, Muhammad Rizwan Senior, Muhammad Zubair, Muhammad Imran Junior, Abdul Haseem Khan, Waqas Akbar and Muhammad Umar Bhutta.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2011.
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