Pakistan to host international hockey league in Dubai

KARACHI: Pakistan’s hockey chiefs have sewn up a plan to launch an international hockey league in Dubai later this year.

A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) source said players from all over the world will be featuring in the inaugural edition in December at Dubai Sports City.

Pakistan has been a no-go zone for international sportspersons since terrorists attacked Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore in March 2009.

In the prevailing atmosphere, there are no takers for any international hockey event in Pakistan, the source said.

He added that PHF secretary Asif Bajwa has struck a deal with Dubai Sports City officials for hosting the league.

The PHF plans to send out invitations to players from India, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Malaysia, China, France, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to play in the league.

Players from India, the Netherlands and Malaysia have already shown interest in the league which will be an annual affair. It will soon move to Pakistan.