Give confidence to Imran Butt, says Shahid Ali Khan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s World Cup-winning hero Shahid Ali Khan has said that the hockey team was playing well in the Asian Champion Trophy.

He said though they lost against India, they played attacking hockey. “The problem is the weak defense and goalkeeping,” he told ‘The News’.

Shahid said the absence of full back Irfan Senior had exposed Pakistan’s defence. “The weakness of the defence put extra pressure on the goalkeeper. Otherwise Pakistan team is playing attacking hockey due to which it got lead several times,” said Shahid.

Irfan Senior was to lead the side in the tournament, but he could not submit his passport for the Malaysian tour.

It was stated that his passport was with a foreign country’s embassy.

Shahid said there was need to give confidence to goalkeeper Imran Butt. “He is the best available goalkeeper in the country. There is a big gap between him and the second choice goalkeeper. Thus, the team management should give him confidence.

“It is a good sign that forwards and penalty corner drillers are producing results, scoring goals. The only requirement is to consolidate the defence line and give confidence to the goalkeeper,” said Shahid.

“They lost two matches but the way they played against India was wonderful,” he added.

He said that Pakistan did not allow the Chinese to attack, which showed the team management was paying attention to the defenders.

He said Imran had played outstandingly in the Champions Trophy in 2014. “He also played well in other international events,” said Shahid.  He said he expected the team not to come under pressure in the semi-final.