We need more Indo-Pak Hockey: Shakeel Abbasi

Redemption of Indo-Pak hockey is necessary to revive the fortunes of Asian hockey as not only the spectators but also the players enjoy the ‘on field war’ between the arch-rivals, claims veteran Pakistani forward Shakeel Abbasi.

“India and Pakistan should play test series against each other. If they (India) can’t come to Pakistan, we can play at any neutral venue,” said Abbasi.

The Mumbai blasts in 2008 took a toll on Indo-Pak sporting ties as the two neighbours stopped playing any bilateral series.

“We recently played a series against Holland in Qatar and there were more than 15,000-20,000 people to watch us. Imagine the atmosphere if India and Pakistan play each other in any part of the world. We will definitely have packed stadium,” said Abbasi, who has been instrumental in two wins that Pakistan registered in ongoing Commonwealth Games here.

India, who had beaten Pakistan in World Cup opener 4-1 earlier this year, will face them in a crucial pool A encounter on Sunday.

“We know that entire stadium will cheer for India. We are habitual of playing under that pressure. In fact we enjoy that. Same would have happened in Pakistan. Indo-Pak matches are always special, be it cricket or hockey,” said the experienced forward, who came out of retirement to be the part of the national team.

He although added that this rivalry is only restricted to the field only as both the teams share very cordial relationship off it.

“All the players are good friends. Arjun (Halappa), Sardara and Vikram (Pillay) are very good friend of mine. The tension and pressure stays only till we are on the field but it ends as soon as the match finishes,” he said.

When asked about Saturday’s encounter against the world champion Australia, he said that no team in the world is invincible as even India gave Australia a good fight on Thursday.

“India could have beaten Australia yesterday. Australia are not invincible. In fact no team is. Whoever finishes well in D group will win. ‘Insha Allah’ we will do that tomorrow,” said Abbasi.

Pakistan finished 12th in the FIH World Cup held at Dhayanchand stadium in February-March this year. “This time we are better prepared and I am confident of a podium finish,” said Abbasi.