Bajwa gives ultimatum to ‘under-performing’ players

PHF secretary says team has achieved its targets.

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has issued an ultimatum to the players, asking them to step up their performances or face the music.

Addressing a press conference at the National Hockey Stadium, PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa said that the federation did not discriminate between the seniors and juniors, insisting that it was only their performance that mattered.

“For the federation, senior and junior players are the same. It is only their performance that matters.

“We see these players as members of the national team. There is no concept of juniors and seniors within the squad,” said Bajwa.

“All the players play for Pakistan, and only those who perform consistently will be retained in the future while the others will no longer be part of our plans.”

The PHF secretary further said that the federation has achieved its targets to a certain extent. “The targets have been achieved through the recent tour to Europe and other training matches.

“The purpose of the practice was to provide exposure and experience to the team, and the results were not bad. The overall performance was satisfactory.” Bajwa, however, maintained his stance on under-performing players, insisting they would be removed from the team.

During the recent tour to Europe, the team played two Four-Nation tournaments, winning the one held in Dublin and finishing the tournament in Holland as runners-up. The Greenshirts also played emerged winner in a one-off Test against New Zealand while drawing a two-match series against Belgium. Pakistan concluded their tour after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the two Tests against Netherlands.

Camp for Champions Trophy to get underway

After a couple of days of rest, the team will travel for an assignment in India before going to China to prepare for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan will take part in a Four-Nation tournament in India, which will also feature Argentina and New Zealand. The Greenshirts will then compete in the Asia Championship, in which all the top Asian teams take part. That is likely to provide a chance for the team to gel before participation in the Champions Trophy.

Butt plays down criticism

Meanwhile, Rehan Butt, who has faced criticism for his performances, believes he has satisfied the management.

“I have satisfied my coaches and that is what matters,” said Butt. “Even though I failed to score, most of the goals netted were from penalty corners, so it unfair to just criticise me.

“I did what my coaches told me to do and that’s what matters. This tour has helped me a lot, and I assure you I will come back stronger in the upcoming events”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2011.