‘Green-shirts must prepare well for Hockey World League’

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former captain Samiullah has said the team should prepare well for Hockey World League because it is a highly competitive event. 

“It will be tough. European teams shouldn’t be underestimated, especially when they are playing in Europe,” Samiullah told PPI. “Teams like The Netherlands, England and Scotland could prove dangerous,” he added.

Pakistan are with arch-rivals India, The Netherlands, Canada and Scotland in Pool B in the first leg of the league’s semi-finals. 

The event is very important for Pakistan, who failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2014. It offers the easiest way for Pakistan to qualify for the World Cup 2018. 

Top ten ranked teams from World Hockey League will qualify for World Cup along with hosts India and five continental champions in the 16-team marquee event.

The second chance for Pakistan will be to qualify for World Cup by winning Asia Cup later this year. 

“Qualifying through Asia Cup will be difficult for Pakistan. World Hockey League offers the best chance and Pakistan should avail themselves of it. They should finish in at least the top five in the semi-finals,” he said. 

Samiullah said that Pakistan missed a great opportunity to prepare for World Hockey League as they were not invited to Azlan Shah Cup. “That could have helped Pakistan. But we missed that chance and the fault lies with us. PHF (Pakistan Hockey Federation) failed to establish good relations with its counterparts around the world. Had we had good relations with Malaysian Hockey Federation, we wouldn’t have been left out,” Samiullah said.

“If Pakistan regained its place among top five teams in the world, nobody would ignore us. Malaysia would have gladly invited us in that case,” he added.