Ashraf eyes Champions Trophy comeback
Defender vows to prove fitness ahead of the tournament.
KARACHI:
Zeeshan Ashraf, who led Pakistan to the Asian Games triumph last year, has set his sights on this year’s Champions Trophy as he eyes a return to the national team. The defender, who missed the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, has vowed to prove his worth ahead of the tournament that will be held in December in New Delhi.
Ashraf, who withdrew from the Azlan Shah Cup as he wanted to give youngsters maximum exposure and was replaced by Mohammad Imran as captain, also maintained his stance for the forthcoming Europe tour.
Pakistan play a couple of tournaments besides Test series against several countries during the Europe sojourn in June and July as part of their pre-Olympics training.
While the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has allowed the defender to rest, the body did not welcome the move by the senior player.
However, Ashraf, while playing down any rift with the federation, defended his decision. “My decision is ensuring a place for a youngster,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.
“I’ve been playing for a decade and need rest. I’ve made the decision in the team’s interest.”
He dismissed the notion that he has withdrawn from national team to make himself available for a foreign league.
“I’m not going anywhere. The Champions Trophy is my target and if I’m selected that will be my first assignment after the Asian Games.”
The Pakistan team’s performance was hailed after reaching the Azlan Shah Cup final under Imran and PHF Chief Selector Hanif Khan ruled out Ashraf as an automatic choice and said that the defender will have to prove his worth.
However, Ashraf was confident of making a successful comeback.
“I’ll retain my place by proving my form and fitness,” said the 34-year old while adding that he will represent National Bank of Pakistan in domestic tournaments to stay in form.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2011.
Zeeshan Ashraf, who led Pakistan to the Asian Games triumph last year, has set his sights on this year’s Champions Trophy as he eyes a return to the national team. The defender, who missed the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, has vowed to prove his worth ahead of the tournament that will be held in December in New Delhi.
Ashraf, who withdrew from the Azlan Shah Cup as he wanted to give youngsters maximum exposure and was replaced by Mohammad Imran as captain, also maintained his stance for the forthcoming Europe tour.
Pakistan play a couple of tournaments besides Test series against several countries during the Europe sojourn in June and July as part of their pre-Olympics training.
While the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has allowed the defender to rest, the body did not welcome the move by the senior player.
However, Ashraf, while playing down any rift with the federation, defended his decision. “My decision is ensuring a place for a youngster,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.
“I’ve been playing for a decade and need rest. I’ve made the decision in the team’s interest.”
He dismissed the notion that he has withdrawn from national team to make himself available for a foreign league.
“I’m not going anywhere. The Champions Trophy is my target and if I’m selected that will be my first assignment after the Asian Games.”
The Pakistan team’s performance was hailed after reaching the Azlan Shah Cup final under Imran and PHF Chief Selector Hanif Khan ruled out Ashraf as an automatic choice and said that the defender will have to prove his worth.
However, Ashraf was confident of making a successful comeback.
“I’ll retain my place by proving my form and fitness,” said the 34-year old while adding that he will represent National Bank of Pakistan in domestic tournaments to stay in form.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2011.