Hearing on hockey seniors next week

Players confident despite unsanctioned league warning.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) disciplinary committee is likely to summon players who took part in the unsanctioned World Series Hockey and ask for their version next week.

Former captains Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi, who were named in Pakistan’s preliminary squad for the Olympics, were among the Pakistani players who participated in the tournament despite clear warnings of a ban from the PHF. The players were then omitted from the shortlist for the Azlan Shah Cup.

“We are yet to finalise the hearing schedule but it’ll most probably be next week,” Wasay Jalil, head of the disciplinary committee, told The Express Tribune.

“All the players will be given a fair chance to have their say.”

Abbasi, who is desperate to play in the Olympics, remained confident despite the warnings.

“I’m ready to give my version,” said Abbasi. “I’m confident that I can convince the committee. Pakistan has always been my priority and I hope to represent my country in London.”

It was also learnt that Butt was also ready to appear before the committee in order to make his international comeback.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2012.