Hockey: Captaincy not an added burden says Shakeel Abbasi

Striker Shakeel Abbasi relishes leading Pakistan hockey team on Australia tour.

KARACHI: Striker Shakeel Abbasi, appointed captain for the Australian tour, termed the upcoming nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series a tough assignment and said that he will try and give his best even if he was leading the side for just two tournaments.

Abbasi, who replaced Mohammad Imran at the helm after the defender was given time to recover from illness, said he deserved to wear the captain’s arm-band.

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” Abbasi told The Express Tribune. “I deserve the captain’s band. I really don’t care if its temporary. I am going to give my all in this series. The biggest challenge for me will be the nine-a-side format as it will take us some time to get used to it.”

According to Abbasi, the nine-a-side series, also featuring Australia, India and New Zealand, will determine his leadership skills, but added that the extra responsibility will not affect his performance.

“Australia are the side to beat and winning the series will boost our confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy,” said Abbasi.

The striker added that the team was a mixture of young blood and experience and said that the return of penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas will bolster their chances.  However, Abbasi said that the team will miss the services of goal-keeper Salman Akbar during the tour.

“The other goal-keeper, Imran Shah, is doing great,” said Abbasi. “But he’s a bit inexperienced and we are dealing with the best teams in the world. It’s the high-pressure matches where we needed Akbar who is mentally stronger. Abbas will also get good practice before the Champions Trophy.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2011.