Pakistan recalls Sohail Abbas for Australia tour

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation has recalled drag-flicker Sohail Abbas to the national team for the forthcoming tour of Australia where they will take part in a four-nation tournament and a super series.

The seniors were recalled after the PHF selectors had dropped all senior players for the recent Asian Champions Trophy insisting they wanted to try out new players in preparation for this year’s Champions Trophy and the 2012 Olympic Games.

The selectors led by Hanif Khan had dropped seniors, Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt, and goalkeeper Salman for the Asian CT in which Pakistan lost in the final to arch-rivals India.

But today the selectors recalled Sohail Abbas, the senior most player in the country, with Hanif Khan explaining that the selectors were trying to finalise a blend of youth and experience for the Champions Trophy and Olympic Games.

“The tour to Australia will be a tough one and will allow us to assess where we stand and the best possible squad we can assemble for the coming major events,” Hanif said.

Pakistan squad:

Goalkeeper: Imran Shah

Full Backs: Muhamamd Imran, Sohail Abbas & Muhammad Irfan Senior

Half Backs: Syed Kashif Shah, Muhammad Rizwan Junior, Muhammad Tousiq, Waseem Ahmed, Rashid Mehmood & Fareed Ahmed.

Forwards: Abdul Haseem Khan, Shakeel Abbasi (C), Shafqat Rasool, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Rizwan Senior, Ali Shan, Muhammad Zubair, Muhammad Umar Bhutta and Muhammad Irfan Junior.

Team Officials: Khawaja Muhammad Junaid (Team Manager), Heuvel van dan Michel (Head Coach), Shahid Ali Khan & Ajmal Khan Lodhi (Coaches).