Hockey: Lahore to host tri-series involving India

Hockey federation confirms event will take place next month.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed Lahore as the venue for the Tri-Nation tournament involving India and Malaysia from April 9.

The development came a day after India received clearance to tour Pakistan. With South Africa pulling out of the event, India’s confirmation acts as a huge breakthrough.

Azlan Shah Cup probables to be named today

Meanwhile, the national selection committee named 20 probables for the event as well as the Azlan Shah Cup that takes place in May. According to an official close to the selection committee, a decision on Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt - who are involved with the unsanctioned World Series Hockey in India - will be taken by the PHF’s Disciplinary Committee after hearing their version.

The duo is expected to return in the first week of April but the official said their participation in the Tri-Nation event was unlikely.

“They may be included for the Azlan Shah Cup if cleared but not the Lahore event,” said the official.

Meanwhile, the training camp for the two events will start from March 25 in Lahore and will be the first assignment for former World Cup winning captain Akhtar Rasool who replaced Dutch Michel van dan Heuvel as head coach.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2012.