August 4, 2002	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 24,1423

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KARACHI, Aug 3: Horrible!. Unbelievable!. Disgraceful!. That is how former hockey stalwarts reacted to Pakistan’s 7-1 massacre by New Zealand at Commonwealth Games semifinal.

Although most of the stars were shocked and critical of recalling seniors, former captain Rasheedul Hassan, lashed out at the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) bosses saying they should step down after the worst defeat in Pakistan hockey’s history.

“It is not only unbelievable, but shameful too. Had Pakistan lost to Australia, it is understandable, but a 7-1 thumping by New Zealand, is a disgrace. It is time that PHF chiefs should quit. It is a black day for Pakistan hockey,” Rasheed said.

The former midfielder said it was always the team officials who bore the brunt after defeats but now the PHF hierarchy should quit after the humiliation, which was a result of lack of planning.

“They are being advised by opportunist people. See what a mess the PHF has created by inviting old and worn-out players. They should have gone for youth rather than banking on the likes of Kamran Ashraf and Ahmad Alam.

“Kamran is back after more than a year, and Ahmad came out of retirement after defeat at Azlan Shah in August last year. But what wonders have they performed,” he questioned.

Rasheed was also critical of coach Tahir Zaman who has replaced Hanif Khan before the Games. “What credentials Tahir has. He is installed coach just because he was recommended by his relative Shahbaz Ahmad, the blue-eyed boy of PHF.”

“Kamran and Ahmad were recalled just because the PHF wanted to win a tournament, no matter how ordinary it may be. But now they should realize what they have done,” he added.

Another former Olympian Hanif Khan also took a swipe at PHF for preferring older players over the talented youth, saying spearhead Kashif Jawwad was fielded just 10 to 15 minutes during the tournament.

The Olympian said: “The defeat is shocking. I can’t understand why Kamran and Ahmad were recalled. Kamran is a spent force, while Kashif is our future. It’s hard to find wisdom playing Kamran at the expense of Kashif.

“Kashif just had a bad patch like I did not fare well during 1980, but scored a hat trick in the series against India the next year.

“The officials also changed Ahmad after nine minutes that put Qasim under pressure who conceded five goals.

“There is still time. PHF should ask the team to head back home, and then it should go for the Champions Trophy after replacing seniors with youngsters. We may lose at the trophy, but the youth will sharpen their skills for the Asian Games and Olympics.”

Celebrated centre-half Anwar Ahmad Khan censured the PHF for banking on the down-the-hill veterans rather than encouraging the youth.

“It’s unbelievable. But I scent a revolt or infighting among the teammates. I am sure that has damaged country’s reputation.

“Time is running out but still the PHF could order the squad to cut its journey short and return. The PHF should boot out the veterans and anybody involved in mutiny. And then they should go for the Trophy.

“We have lost despite having seniors. So it’s better to lose having younger players who should be polished for Asian Games and Olympics,” he said.

Anwar demanded a thorough probe by the PHF into the ignominy and asked technocrats be shown the video tapes of the Pakistan- New Zealand game to help PHF reach a conclusion.

Former secretary PHF, Brig M. H. Atif (retd), joined the chorus of criticism by suggesting the PHF to ask the squad to return back and go for the Champions Trophy after dumping the old players Kamran and Ahmad.

“It is disgusting, disgraceful, a catastrophe. But it all happened because these old hats who must be axed and replaced with youth.

Prolific centre-forward of yesteryear Hassan Sardar agreed the juniors should have been given the chance but put the blame on coach’s shoulders for the hammering.

“The coach can’t do anything if forwards are not scoring. But the trainer can’t go scot-free by simply saying the defence did not click.

“There must be yawning gaps in defence which resulted in huge number of goals. That proves Tahir had no plans,” the former skipper said.