Int’l players upbeat about World XI’s Pak tour

LAHORE: Three international hockey players who are members of the World XI, which is going to visit Pakistan later this month are very excited to be part of the team and are looking forward to tour Pakistan.

They in a video message expressed their pleasure to be part of the efforts for the revival of international hockey in Pakistan. The World XI a blend of international hockey players from top hockey playing countries will be touring Pakistan later this month to play matches at Karachi and Lahore on January 19 and 21 respectively.

In their video messages made available by the Pakistan Hockey Federation on Tuesday, Grant Schubert (Australia), Phillip Burrows (New Zealand) and Diego Paz (Argentina) said they were very excited to visit Pakistan for the revival of hockey in Pakistan. “We are very happy to be part of World XI which comprises best hokey talent,” they said and further added for Pakistan fans to get ready. The players who expressed these views included Australia’s three-time Champions Trophy gold medallist Grant Schubert, New Zealand’s Phillip Burrows, Argentina’s midfielder Diego Paz.

International hockey is coming to Pakistan after a long time. A star-studded World XI with players from the leading hockey nations is coming to play two matches and some of the other players who are part of the World XI also have remarkable gesture. Along with six Pakistani stalwarts, five foreign hockey greats will be inducted in the Hall of Fame. Paul Litjens (Netherlands): The most fearsome penalty corner striker of his time. He played 177 matches with the Dutch national team, scoring 268 goals, an international record he held from 1982 to 2004. Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas broke his record.

Team also includes Juan Escarre of Spain who appeared in 256 Internationals and played in three Olympics besides Don Prior of Australia who the most distinguished umpires in the game of hockey.