World XI visit: Schedule announced for landmark tour

Two matches to be played on January 12, 14 in Karachi, Lahore respectively

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday announced the schedule of the World XI visit that will see players from Argentina, Australia, Holland, Spain and Belgium participate in two matches.

The team will land in Pakistan on January 10, 2018, while the matches will be played Karachi and Lahore on January 12 and 14 respectively.

Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium will host the match in Karachi, while the match in Lahore will be played at the National Hockey Stadium.

A total of 15 foreign players and two officials will visit the country in an attempt to promote the game and open pathways for return of international hockey to Pakistan.

“Finally the wait is over and we know when the international players will be visiting the two major cities of Pakistan,” said former Olympian Isllahuddin Siddiqui while talking to The Express Tribune. “It is a good decision to hold matches in both the cities. This will attract more crowds and fans of hockey in Karachi and Lahore will get a chance to witness the historic matches.”

Meanwhile, PHF President Brigadier (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar revealed that former players of Pakistan hockey will also be seen in action during the visit.

“We are also making arrangements for former Olympians, who played during the golden era for Pakistan hockey, to play matches. Hopefully, the Maradona of Hockey, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior will be seen in action,” he said.