Expelling Pakistan is ridiculous: Shahbaz

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed severely criticised FIH on Tuesday for expelling Pakistan from the Junior World Cup without any shortcoming on PHF’s part.

“Instead of directing Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to ensure visas for our players and officials, they illogically expelled us,” he said.

The PHF secretary termed the FIH decision “ridiculous” and said it was taken on the behest of Indian authorities.

He said that PHF had informed FIH of all developments. “How quickly they expelled us is surprising. How can they manage everything for Malaysia in the same timeframe? It was pre-planned. India had made up its mind not to have us in the Junior World Cup, and wanted to blame us,” he said.

The PHF secretary said that he would appear in the Senate’s meeting on Wednesday where he would state Pakistan’s position.

He said that FIH had blundered in excluding Pakistan. “It sent a very wrong message to the sports world. The Asia Cup 2017 and senior men’s World Cup 2018 will also be held in India. Will they not issue visas for these big events too? It is time FIH decided how they are to run the game,” he said.