Lahore to host hockey series against India, Malaysia in April

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed that Lahore will host a tri-nation tournament involving India and Malaysia from April 9.

The development came after India received a clearance to tour Pakistan following South Africa’s withdrawal from the event.

Meanwhile, the national selection committee named 20 probables for the event as well as the Azlan Shah Cup that takes place in May.

According to an official close to the selection committee, a decision on Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt, who are involved with the unsanctioned World Series Hockey in India, will be taken by the PHF’s Disciplinary Committee after hearing their version.

The duo is expected to return in the first week of April but the official said their participation in the tri-series is unlikely.

“They may be included for the Azlan Shah Cup if cleared but not the Lahore event,” The Express Tribune quoted the official, as saying.