Pakistan players to take part in Malaysian league

Hockey federation gives permission to skip National Games.

KARACHI: With no international commitments till the Azlan Shah Cup next year, Pakistan hockey players will take part in a league in Malaysia in a bid to maintain their level of fitness.  Centre forward Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi have confirmed their participation in the Malaysian Hockey League (MLH) 2010 that starts on December 18.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation, keeping the schedule in mind, allowed the players to skip the National Games 2010 while also making sure the players return to play for their departmental teams in the National Hockey Championship next year.

Butt, whose contribution helped Pakistan win the Asian Games gold in China, will go to Malaysia on December 14 after signing a four-month contract with Sapura HC. “It’s a good opportunity for me to play and stay fit before the Azlan Shah Cup,” Butt told The Express Tribune. “I’ve signed the contract since Pakistan does not have any international assignments for a few months.

“It’s not about money. I always keep my country’s interest ahead. This league will provide me an opportunity to stay fit and that’s why I’m going.”

Meanwhile Abbasi, who will represent  Yayasan Negeri Sembilan HC, echoed the same views. He will be accompanied by four other players – Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Rasheed, Kashif Ali and Waqas Sharif – who will play for the same league.

On the other hand, Sohail Abass has decided to stay and play for Wapda in the National Games that will begin from December 25.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2010.