London qualifying round PHF in talks with Belgium too

KARACHI: The PHF has also contacted Belgium for matches before the World Hockey League in London in June, ‘The News’ has learnt.

It has already been in talks with Argentina and England as it is desperate to provide maximum opportunities of international matches to the senior team before it appears in league, which serves as qualifying round for the World Cup 2018.

Pakistan team is expected to leave the country from May 25 to 27 for Ireland where it will play three matches, on June, 1, 3 and 4.

PHF wants some matches against strong teams such as England, Argentina or Belgium so that the Green-shirts gain momentum before the tough competitions of London.

The Argentine hockey team is the Olympic Champion.

England is also considered a strong team. A few days ago it defeated world number one Australia in Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament.

“We have held talks with a few countries which are considered best hockey playing teams, including England, Belgium and Argentina, and are waiting for their response,” PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed told ‘The News’.

“We hope that PHF will be successful in arranging a couple of international matches to finalise the preparation for the qualifying rounds,” he added.

“We know the importance of international matches, but all teams have their own schedules. We are trying to play with any strong team in London,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PHF has decided to merge Pakistan White and Development Squad to make a strong team for playing against the seniors to give the latter tough match experience.

They will play three matches:

in Okara on May 14, Sargodha on May 15, and Mardan on May 17 or 18. Informed sources that PHF might also organise a match in Gojra on May 19 or 20 where the local administration is trying to arrange the match.