‘Selectors totally independent’

PHF Secretary claims decision of recalling Sohail Abbas is example of selection committee working independently.

LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa has claimed that the decision of recalling veteran penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas is an example of how the selection committee is working independently.

Abbas was handed a call for the Asian Games training camp by chief selector Hanif Khan after the player was omitted from the Commonwealth Games squad that finished sixth in New Delhi.

“It’s up to the selection committee and the team management to justify how useful the inclusion of Abbas will be in the camp,” said Bajwa. “The PHF has been working to build an independent atmosphere pertaining to the selection process. They have their own role and the team management has its own role.

“The federation has been doing its work so that every department is working independently and that is how things should work.”

Abbas has failed to find permanent place in the side recently as he was denied a central contract after being snubbed for the Azlan Shah Cup following a poor show in the World Cup this year. Abbas then skipped the training camp for the tour of Europe which irked the PHF and the player was duly omitted from the Delhi-bound squad.

“Hanif recommended Abbas’ name after meeting the players. Fitness is the only criteria that can ensure a player’s place in the squad as I’ve conveyed to the selection committee from the very first day. Only those players who are fully match-fit will be considered for the squad. So it isn’t guaranteed that he will be in the final squad.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2010.