Saqlain eyes World Hockey Series despite PHF warning
WSH which is being organised by unrecognised IHT was recently shot down by the sport’s governing body.
KARACHI:
Former captain Mohammad Saqlain has expressed interest for an unofficial Indian league, defying the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) directives that forbid participation in the controversial event.
The World Series of Hockey (WSH), which is being organised by the unrecognised Indian Hockey Federation (IHT), was recently shot down by the sport’s governing body.
The PHF, following orders of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), has asked all Pakistan players to stay away from the unauthorised league. The federation also warned action against players who will violate its instructions. The FIH issued the directions as the IHF is no more an affiliated unit, unlike Hockey India (HI) which is the official body running the sport.
However, Saqlain, who has not worn national colours since the 2009 Asia Cup due to differences with the PHF set-up, is eyeing the opportunity.
The midfielder has shown interest in the league after being approached by its organisers. “The organisers have contacted me and I’ve shown my availability” Saqlain told The Express Tribune.“I haven’t finalised the contract but I’ll definitely go as I don’t want to waste an opportunity.”
Saqlain said he was not afraid of any action by the federation as he had no options left other than to play in events abroad after constantly being overlooked for the national team. “I’ve been kept out of the team due to people’s personal vendetta, so why shouldn’t I go?”
“All the senior players are back in the side except me, what worse thing can the federation do to me now? I cannot even play in domestic competitions due to the newly formulated age barrier by the federation.”
“I need a platform where I can prove my worth to the people who question my capability and fitness,” said the player who turns 33 next month.
Saqlain has been out-of-favour since the Asia Cup, after which he was asked by the federation to announce his retirement in order to pave way for his coaching career.
However, the former captain refused the offer saying he was fit and wanted to continue playing.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2011.
Former captain Mohammad Saqlain has expressed interest for an unofficial Indian league, defying the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) directives that forbid participation in the controversial event.
The World Series of Hockey (WSH), which is being organised by the unrecognised Indian Hockey Federation (IHT), was recently shot down by the sport’s governing body.
The PHF, following orders of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), has asked all Pakistan players to stay away from the unauthorised league. The federation also warned action against players who will violate its instructions. The FIH issued the directions as the IHF is no more an affiliated unit, unlike Hockey India (HI) which is the official body running the sport.
However, Saqlain, who has not worn national colours since the 2009 Asia Cup due to differences with the PHF set-up, is eyeing the opportunity.
The midfielder has shown interest in the league after being approached by its organisers. “The organisers have contacted me and I’ve shown my availability” Saqlain told The Express Tribune.“I haven’t finalised the contract but I’ll definitely go as I don’t want to waste an opportunity.”
Saqlain said he was not afraid of any action by the federation as he had no options left other than to play in events abroad after constantly being overlooked for the national team. “I’ve been kept out of the team due to people’s personal vendetta, so why shouldn’t I go?”
“All the senior players are back in the side except me, what worse thing can the federation do to me now? I cannot even play in domestic competitions due to the newly formulated age barrier by the federation.”
“I need a platform where I can prove my worth to the people who question my capability and fitness,” said the player who turns 33 next month.
Saqlain has been out-of-favour since the Asia Cup, after which he was asked by the federation to announce his retirement in order to pave way for his coaching career.
However, the former captain refused the offer saying he was fit and wanted to continue playing.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2011.