PHF to redefine selection committee’s role

Final selection to be in the hands of team management.

KARACHI: Selectors are likely to lose their authority to select the national team for international tournaments as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) considers redefining its role in an attempt to select the best available players.

The proposed idea is to have the team management – the coach, manager and captain – make the final decision to select the national squad while selectors will be given the task to form a pool of talented players by reviewing individual performances in domestic tournaments.

“We are looking into the pros and cons of the idea,” PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa told The Express Tribune. “We are likely to take a decision in a few days.”

Currently, the selection committee gets the main say to finalise the team for any assignment after holding trials and consulting the team management.

“The PHF feels the management is responsible to choose the best players, and should thus be given complete authority,” said Bajwa. The secretary added the proposed idea is being followed by many countries.

Heuvel’s indecision causes delay

The PHF, which was supposed to announce its team management this week, is awaiting head coach Michel Van Dan Heuvel’s final say about his return to country in order to make its announcement. “We cannot announce the team management in the absence of the head coach,” said Bajwa.

“Heuvel had some reservations and we are working to remove his concerns.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2011.