Pakistan would be hoping to continue their good form once the tournament begins in March. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan’s hockey team management retained all players of the Asian Champions Trophy title winning squad as it announced the preliminary squad for the forthcoming Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.
In what will be the first international assignment for the national team this year, the squad includes seniors Waseem Ahmed and Shakeel Abbasi while experienced Rehan Butt has been snubbed again.
Umar Bhutta – who was dropped from the Asian Champions Trophy – regained his place in the 25-player initial squad. Another player making a comeback is Rizwan Junior.
Pakistan’s preliminary squad includes I Shah, I Butt, S Kashif Shah, M Imran, M Rizwan Senior, M Tousiq, F Ahmed, R Mahmood, M Waqas, S Rasool, A Haseem Khan, A Shan, M Ateeq, W Ahmed, M Kashif Ali, S Abbasi, M Irfan, M Salman Hussain, M Umar Bhutta, M Rizwan Junior, M Irfan Junior, M Dilber, M Khalid Bhatti, T Abbas & T Khalid.
Greenshirts to begin training from February 10
Meanwhile, according to a Pakistan Hockey Federation official, the team will start its preparations at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore from February 10.
“The camp would be staged in two phases and will continue until the team’s departure,” said the official.
The Azlan Shah Cup will begin in Ipoh from March 9.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2013.
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