Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has surprised everyone by rejecting invitation of International Hockey Federation for Champions’ Trophy following fears of defeats.
PHF secretary Shehbaz Senior detailed, “There is no point to send national hockey team for Champions’ Trophy when everyone is expecting for the team to end its journey on sixth number on the ranking table which is enough to damage morale of the players besides heavy criticism.” He added, “They are focusing on Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.”
The decision was heavily criticised by former hockey players as former captain Rehan Butt expressed sorrow over rejecting the invitation, saying that the move will shatter confidence of the national players besides denting performance on international level plays.
Former Pakistani coach Shehnaz Shaikh said that PHF must be proud of the invitation instead of rejecting it. On the other hand, PHF sources said the federation adopted defensive decision to save themselves from criticism made by the nationals and former Olympians if facing consecutive defeats.
It is pertinent to mention here that the international event of Champions’ Trophy is opening on June 10 – 2016 in London.
