PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) decided to change the team management before the national side faces a visiting World XI for two matches.
During the PHF congress meeting in Lahore on Thursday, the federation decided to appoint Hassan Sardar, who is the chief selector, as the head coach and the manager. Meanwhile, Islahuddin Siddiqui has been handed over the responsibilities of the chief selector.
“The federation has decided to appoint Sardar as the head coach and the team manager for the World XI matches in Pakistan,” a PHF official told The Express Tribune. “The change in management is only for the World XI matches and will revert to the original form after the serie.”
He added that after the World XI visit ends, a foreign coach will be handling the Pakistan team. “After the World XI matches end, a foreign head coach will be hired for the Pakistan national team, who is expected to travel with the World XI team to Pakistan,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan players and coaches Muhammad Saqlain and Rehan But will assist Sardar in the coaching role.
The World XI will arrive in Pakistan on January 18 and will play a match in Karachi on January 19 and in Lahore on January 21.
PHF believes the tour will open the doors of international team’s tour to the country, after they are able to show the World XI side that it is safe to visit Pakistan.
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