Asian Champions Trophy postponed

The Asian Hockey Federation has postponed next month’s Champions Trophy in Malaysia after South Korea pulled out and Pakistan lost its entire team and management staff in the wake of a disastrous World Cup campaign this month.

“We received a fax message from the AHF on Wednesday and they have postponed the event,” Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa told AP.

China was the other team set to contest the four-nation Champions Trophy at Ipoh, Malaysia from April 13-18.

Bajwa said no new dates for the Champions Trophy has been communicated to the PHF.

PHF president Qasim Zia sacked its entire team management – including coach, manager and selectors – after Pakistan finished last in the 12-team hockey World Cup at Delhi last week.

All 18 players in the Pakistan hockey team also resigned soon after they were beaten 3-2 by Canada in the play off match for the last two places.

Bajwa said that Pakistan had not requested to postpone the Asian Champions Trophy.

“Since the entire (Pakistan) team had resigned, there was no selection committee in Pakistan and no team management, probably AHF had thought Pakistan was also doubtful for the event,” Bajwa said.

Bajwa said Pakistan has confirmed it will participate in Azlan Shah Cup – also at Ipoh – from May 6-16.