Pakistan staff celebrates scoring a aim throughout Asian Champions Trophy match in opposition to China on September 12, 2024. — Asian Hockey Federation/Fb
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid on Tuesday, clarified that the nationwide staff’s go to to India for the Males’s Asia Cup is topic to authorities clearance.
Pakistan and India boast strained political relations which frequently translate into their sporting ties. Earlier this yr, the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to ship its nationwide males’s staff to Pakistan for the ICC Males’s Champions Trophy 2025, citing the directives of the federal government.
The BCCI’s refusal drew a stern response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), leading to a protracted standoff between the 2 cricketing our bodies.
The dispute finally culminated with PCB proposing a ‘Fusion Formulation’, which states that each groups will play their matches at a impartial venue when India or Pakistan is internet hosting an ICC occasion for the subsequent three years.
Regardless of the settlement, Indian media claimed earlier in the present day that the Pakistan males’s Hockey staff is ready to tour India for the Asia Cup, scheduled to happen in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7.
Moreover, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey additionally expressed his pleasure for the blockbuster conflict, stating that he’s anticipating a ‘good recreation’ when the 2 groups collide in Rajgir.
“Any match between India and Pakistan wherever on the planet is all the time thrilling and good to observe,” Tirkey was quoted as saying.
“In 2023 additionally, when the ACT was held in Chennai, the 2 groups performed a very good recreation. I count on it to be related when the 2 groups face off in Rajgir for which the followers would are available numbers.”
Nonetheless, opposite to the Indian media’s reviews, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid clarified that the nationwide staff will solely tour India after receiving clearance from the federal authorities.
“No choice can be made to take part within the Asia Cup with out authorities permission,” stated Mujahid.
For the unversed, the continental occasion, that includes Pakistan, India, Japan, China, Malaysia and South Korea, is essential in World Cup qualification because it serves because the qualifying occasion.
The all-important match will function two extra groups, who will safe their spots by the qualifying match – the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup.
Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo Information.
