Captain’s arm-band may elude Ashraf

Chief selector wants defender to prove fitness to regain captaincy.

KARACHI:

Zeeshan Ashraf’s future as the captain of the Pakistan hockey team hangs in the balance as chief selector Hanif Khan feels that the 36-year-old needs to prove his fitness in the camp in order to continue with the team until next year’s Olympics.

Pakistan’s encouraging show in the recently-concluded Azlan Shah Cup, where they lost to Australia in the final under new captain Mohammad Imran, has raised questions about Ashraf’s role in the team. The defender, who led Pakistan to the gold-medal finish in the Asian Games, had opted to take a break and give youngsters a chance for the tournament in Malaysia.

However, Khan has made it clear that his criteria for the Champions Trophy will revolve around fitness and skill of players.

“Ashraf has been a successful captain but I don’t think the senior players can last till Olympics,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “We’ll be finalising the team for Champions Trophy after the European tour.  If Ashraf can satisfy us during this time, he can carry on as captain. As a selector I want every player to be fit.”

Meanwhile, Ashraf has said that he is on a break from hockey and will only join the team if the Pakistan Hockey Federation calls him. He further said that he has served the team for 12 years and now wants youngsters to play a more prominent role, which means he may not participate in the European tour that starts next month.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2011.