Abbasi, Ahmed anticipate ‘rebel’ event

Experienced duo keen on playing ‘unsanctioned’ World Series Hockey.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s seasoned hockey players Shakeel Abbasi and Waseem Ahmed eagerly await the second edition of the unsanctioned World Series Hockey (WSH) in India this year and hope that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will not stop them from participating in the event.

Despite being unrecognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the lucrative first edition was a big success and its second version is expected to start in February. The PHF, owing to the FIH ban, fined Pakistan players who participated in the event.

Nevertheless, experienced striker Abbasi is undeterred by the doubtful nature of the league’s status.

“I will fulfill my commitment with the WSH,” Abbasi told The Express Tribune. “I have signed a three-year contract with them and will remain a part of the league until the end.”

He also hoped he will not come in confrontation with the federation over his participation. “We signed the contract before March 31, 2011 when the league was not declared as unsanctioned by the FIH.”

WSH good for players’  progress: Waseem

Meanwhile, Ahmed is also looking forward to the series.

“The league is a good package for players,” said Ahmed. “I think the PHF should not stop us from playing the league.”

He added the signatories to the league can be dragged into legal battle with the organisers if they refuse to fulfill their commitment.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2013.