Greenshirts handed English drubbing
Pakistan lose out on a place in the final after 4-2 loss
KARACHI:
Pakistan suffered its second successive loss in the Super Series Hockey 9s event at Perth when the Greenshirts lost to England 4-2.
The defeat ended Pakistan’s chances of reaching tomorrow’s final which will now be contested between England and hosts Australia. Pakistan will, meanwhile, take on India today in an inconsequential match.
Earlier, things looked promising for Pakistan when it managed to take the lead through Abdul Haseem. However, the Greenshirts conceded the lead with a goal from Barry Middleton but Umer Bhutta soon made it 2-1 in the dying moments of the first half. The second half saw England rallying as they scored three goals including Nick Catlin’s brace to clinch a convincing win. In the other match of the day, Australia edged out India 4-3.
PHF president revises
Irfan’s ban
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) President Qasim Zia has reduced Mohammad Irfan’s six-month ban to 30 days after the seasoned defender apologised for a breach of discipline.
The PHF’s disciplinary committee had handed the ban to the Olympian earlier this month along with a Rs100,000 fine for violating the code of conduct during a training camp for the Champions Trophy. Irfan had gone on a two-day leave but failed to report back to camp on time.
“I am thankful to the PHF president for reducing my ban,” Irfan told The Express Tribune. “I have assured him that I’ll be careful in the future.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2012.
Pakistan suffered its second successive loss in the Super Series Hockey 9s event at Perth when the Greenshirts lost to England 4-2.
The defeat ended Pakistan’s chances of reaching tomorrow’s final which will now be contested between England and hosts Australia. Pakistan will, meanwhile, take on India today in an inconsequential match.
Earlier, things looked promising for Pakistan when it managed to take the lead through Abdul Haseem. However, the Greenshirts conceded the lead with a goal from Barry Middleton but Umer Bhutta soon made it 2-1 in the dying moments of the first half. The second half saw England rallying as they scored three goals including Nick Catlin’s brace to clinch a convincing win. In the other match of the day, Australia edged out India 4-3.
PHF president revises
Irfan’s ban
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) President Qasim Zia has reduced Mohammad Irfan’s six-month ban to 30 days after the seasoned defender apologised for a breach of discipline.
The PHF’s disciplinary committee had handed the ban to the Olympian earlier this month along with a Rs100,000 fine for violating the code of conduct during a training camp for the Champions Trophy. Irfan had gone on a two-day leave but failed to report back to camp on time.
“I am thankful to the PHF president for reducing my ban,” Irfan told The Express Tribune. “I have assured him that I’ll be careful in the future.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2012.