Pakistan Hockey Federation terms no more experiments in national team
The Selection Committee of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) clearly affirmed that no further experiments will be carried out with the national team. The federation also released the programme of trials for finalising the line-ups of seniors and juniors for
the international competitions.
It is vital to mention here that the training camp for the national team is underway at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, the federal capital city of Pakistan.
The national squad is expected to leave for the Australian tour very soon. On its arrival, it will contest in a three-nation International Super Series besides playing test matches from October 20 to November 04, 2011.
Spokesperson of the federation while briefing the media said that the selection committee comprised of Hanif Khan, Khalid Bashir and Arshad Chaudhary will observe the probable players during the ongoing trails at the training camp.
Currently 25 players are undergoing rigorous in training in the camp.
The Selection Committee will start examining the players’ performances by October 10, in order to finalise the names for the Australian tour.
Chief Selector of the Pakistan’s hockey team, Hanif Khan, said, “Experience is not the only criteria in team selection. The players, who perform well in the camp and trials, will get the nod”.
While explaining about the upcoming squad, he added, “There will be no further experiments. With the Champions Trophy just a couple of months away, we’re now at a stage to finalise a pool of players for the bigger tasks including the 2012 London Olympics”.
He informed that the line-up chosen for the Australia Tour could be utilised for the upcoming assignments including the Champions Trophy and London Gala.
However, he also stated that changes could be incorporated in the squad in case of unexpected circumstances.
On the other hand, the national junior team for the upcoming Malaysia-based Sultan Johor Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held from November 5 to 15, will be announced on October 15.
The trails of the junior squad will be held at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium in Karachi.
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