12 April 2005	Tuesday	02 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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KARACHI, April 11: Pakistan Seniors and Pakistan Juniors will be playing a four-match hockey series after the cancellation of tsunami series against India. As expected tsunami series between two arch-rivals Pakistan and India was postponed due to various reasons.

Pakistan senior team chief coach Asif Bajwa said on Monday that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has planned the series to give players practice and exposure before Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia and Junior World Cup in the Netherlands.

He said PHF president has approved the series in principal and two matches each will be played in Quetta and Karachi.

Asif said according to the tentative dates the first two matches will be played in Quetta’s Musa Hockey Stadium on 2-3 May and other two matches will be conducted at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on May 6-7.

He expressed the hope that the series would provide both teams a good build-up for future international tournaments.

He informed that senior team’s camp will continue at HCP in preparations for the series.

Asif said the 8-nation Azlan Cup will be held at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) from May 26 to June 7.

Pakistan chief coach said that in the presence of leading teams Olympic Champions Australia, Spain and India it will be a good test for the boys.—APP