Poland hockey team pulls out of Pak tour

ISLAMABAD: Poland’s hockey team that was scheduled to visit Pakistan in April has pulled out of the tour citing domestic engagements.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar in the last PHF Congress meeting had revealed that Poland’s team would play matches in Pakistan in April.

The PHF had planned to form four teams to play against the visitors during their one-week stay in Pakistan.

‘The News’ has, however, learnt that the Polish Hockey Association has expressed its team’s inability to tour Pakistan in April.

“Yes, we have received a letter from Poland in which they have expressed their inability to tour Pakistan in April. They have cited their domestic commitments as the reason for the pull out,” a PHF official said.

He said Poland might reschedule the trip to September. It is believed that the

border tension between Pakistan and India is the reason for Poland’s decision.

At a time when more than 34 international cricket stars are in the country for the Pakistan Super League, Poland’s reluctance or the PHF inability to convince them to tour Pakistan raises questions over the national sport’s future.

“I am surprised over Poland’s decision. They are minnows of hockey. The tour would have benefitted them,” a former player said. “Possibly we couldn’t convince them that Pakistan is a safe country to visit and play.”