ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Masoori Bugti has given a go-ahead to the team management to announce the national squad for the Nations Cup today (Monday).
Tahir Zaman, FIH High-Performance coach, who is now the head coach with the national team, told ‘The News’ that he has been communicated by the PHF president to announce the touring squad.
“We are bound to leave for Malaysia for the important event around Eid Holidays. Though the management has an idea on the best combination for the Nations Cup, there are very few places up for grabs which are to be filled following two sessions of trials to be conducted Monday evening.”
Surprisingly, the three-member selection committee comprising Olympian Mohammad Khalid, Danish Kaleem, and Kashif Jawad were not invited to watch the trials for unknown reasons. Insiders told ‘The News’ that since the PHF was facing financial constraints, the President PHF decided to give selection powers to the team management headed by Tahir Zaman.
“Financial problems have not been resolved as yet, as the new president has only the government to look at when it comes to the team’s travelling. The Ministry for IPC has come forward to help out the team and directed the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to make arrangements for their travel for the important event.”
Pakistan have been grouped with Malaysia, Japan and New Zealand as the best two teams will make it to the semi-finals. The winner of the Nations Cup will be playing the FIH Pro League next year and would also be in a position to improve their rankings to some good numbers.
Talking to ‘The News’, Tahir said that a few changes were on the cards from the team that won the bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy held in China recently. “A few changes are on the cards for the Nations Cup from the team that played the Champions Trophy in China recently,” Tahir said.
He also confirmed taking along 20 members instead of 18, which is the norm. “FIH permits taking two extra players now, considering the element of emergency and injury issues. I have requested the PHF to carry a 20-player squad along to give the management the required option to make changes if an emergency erupts.” Pools finalized for the Nations Cup: Pool A: France, South Africa, Korea, and Wales. Pool B: Pakistan, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Japan.
