PHF calls off Egypt tour

Pakistan’s plans to revive international hockey in the country suffer a blow.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s hockey tour of Egypt has been called off due to political tensions in the North African country.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been seeking a review of the security situation from their Egyptian counterparts but failed to find any response. However, the sports ministry, on the recommendation of the foreign ministry has urged the PHF to cancel the tour.

Both countries had agreed to a reciprocal series last year, giving hopes for reviving international hockey in Pakistan. Pakistan was scheduled to tour Egypt in the last week of February whereas the African country was scheduled to return back in March to play a series of five matches.

“The PHF had written to the Egyptian Hockey Federation five days ago but there has been no reply yet,” PHF General-Secretary Asif Bajwa told reporters at the National Hockey Stadium. “We are aware of the ongoing demonstrations in Egypt and hence sought a tour advisory from our government. They have told us not to go on with the tour under these circumstances.”

Bajwa added that the PHF will look to rescheduling the series once the situation improves in Egypt. “We have a very cordial relationship with the Egypt Hockey Federation, but the circumstances don’t look favourable right now and the security of our players is our foremost concern.”

“Having said that, the PHF is still looking forward to a better atmosphere for the sport to be played in the country and we plan to reschedule the series once the situation gets better.”

Bajwa also hinted at the possibility that the locations for the tour may be swapped to ensure that the reciprocal series goes on. However, the secretary said that this alternative is yet to be discussed with their Egyptian counterparts with whom they have no contact at present.

“We still have an option to save our reciprocal tour as we are very keen on playing our international series against Egypt, but I am not able to establish contact with Saif Ahmed, the president of the Egypt’s hockey federation.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2011.