Bilateral series: Pakistan ask India to play against them if they want to help

Hockey federation turned down the offer of direct financial assistance

KARACHI: After turning down India’s offer of financial assistance to alleviate the problem of lack of funds that has been plaguing Pakistan Hockey, officials have said that they want Hockey India to pay a bilateral series with Pakistan, which will help the players and the team prepare for the upcoming assignments.

“The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been asking Hockey India to play a bilateral series with Pakistan on a neutral venue for the past one year and also to include Pakistani players in the Indian Hockey League but they never agreed,” said PHF secretary Rana Mujahid.

Last year during the Champions Trophy in India, PHF officials including Rana, president Akhtar Rasool and coach Shahnaz Sheikh asked Hockey India to play with Pakistan. This was initially agreed upon but a controversial semi-final clash and the subsequent fallout meant the proposal was suspended.

“We have once again replied with the same demand instead of financial support as our country will support us soon when it comes to finances,” he said. “The PHF is trying its best to give international matches to the players for their preparation and is making all the arrangements for the tours.”

The team has not played an international match since after the Champions Trophy final in December last year, and has also missed out on the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup that commenced on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the coach also added that, while training camps are being organised, the team is in dire need of international matches. “Playing with India will allow the players to improve their skills and address their weaker areas,” said Sheikh. “India can also organise a series with Pakistan and bear all the expenses like Korea is doing for the upcoming series in May. Participation in the Indian Hockey League will help our players improve their skills and support them financially as well.”

 

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.