KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) high officials have started the preparation for World Hockey XI visit to Pakistan in January. The XI will come here to play three test matches against Pakistan hockey team. Informed sources in PHF said that the names of the players of World XI are being finalised these days. PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed has used his connections to invite the players of different countries. The sources said that most likely the World XI players would be invited from Holland, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Germany, England, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. It is expected that the squad will comprise 14 players, accompanied by two officials. The three matches have been scheduled in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The PHF got the NOC from the interior ministry earlier this month. The sources said that the names of the World XI would be finalised and announced in one or two days. The preparation for the ceremony of Hall of Fame awards is also going on. Five great foreign players and some Pakistani players will get Hall of Fame awards at a glittering ceremony likely to be held in Karachi. It is pertinent to mention here that PHF is also planning to organise Pakistan Hockey League in the country. Its details will be finalised after the tour of World Hockey XI. The PHF sources further said that the FIH was helping Pakistan in its efforts to revive international hockey in the country. Meanwhile, the PHF is also preparing to hold the national hockey championship in Sukkur in the middle of December. It is expected that 16 teams will participate in the event: the four provinces and other affiliated units. Naveed Alam, director development and domestic of PHF, confirmed that the national championship would be held in December in Sukkur, where all facilities are available, including a synthetic turf, floodlights and lodgings for the players.
