PHF secretary leaves for FIH executive board meeting

KARACHI: The PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed has departed for the FIH executive board meeting scheduled to be held in Zurich on March 15.

The meeting is important for Pakistan hockey as the FIH has asked the PHF to state the reason behind pulling out of the first three matches of Pro League.

Pakistan pulled out of the FIH Pro League last month due to financial constraints as the federal government did not release sufficient funds to the federation.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shahbaz was elected a member of FIH executive board a few months back. He is also a member of its competition committee. The PHF secretary has said that the situation is complicated, “not fully in my hands but I will use my position to save Pakistan hockey from any strict punishment from FIH.

“I will try my best to ward off any penalty,” he said. Sources said things would become clear when Shahbaz returned from FIH executive board meeting.

Meanwhile, Poland’s hockey team has refused to visit Pakistan. PHF had claimed a few days ago that the Polish team would come to play three or four matches. Sources said the Polish might have refused to visit Pakistan because of the tension between Pakistan and India.

The PHF has not said anything about Poland’s refusal to come. Because of the Polish team’s refusal, the schedule of the national championship has been changed.

It is expected that the national championship will now be held in Lahore in the middle of April. Pakistan hockey has suffered three setbacks, one after another: the team not taking part in FIH Pro League, PHF’s failure to organise professional league in the country, and now Poland’s refusal.