30 April 2005	Saturday	20 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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KARACHI, April 29: City District Football Association Karachi (CDFAK) on Friday lashed out at Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for ignoring Karachi from the venue list for three-match Pakistan-India soccer series, saying biased decision has deprived fans of quality activity. “PFF omitted Karachi as the venue for the series on the pretext that People’s Sports Complex pitch is not suitable for play which is nothing but injustice,” said president of CDFAK Nasir Karim Baloch who leads the parallel association.

The official said city had been deprived of the activity despite huge following of the game.

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India lock horns on June 12 at Ayub Sports Complex, Quetta in the opener, followed by second match at Qayyum Sports Complex, Peshawar, on June 16 and the final game at Punjab Stadium, Lahore on June 18.

Nasir said Karachi had deliberately been ignored as the venue since the pitch could have been prepared within two months well ahead of the match.

The official blamed the Sindh representatives who attended April 23 meeting in Lahore where the decision on the venues was taken.

“It was officials’ lack of will because of which we have been deprived of the activity. They had gone for joyride and to receive their daily and travel allowances,” he remarked while demanding action against the concerned City District Government Karachi (CDGK) officials for dereliction of duty.

“It’s a pity that we have such a good facility like People’s Sports Complex but it has been ruined because of lack of maintenance,” he said.

Interestingly, PFF ignored Karachi, although the secretary PFF Arshad Khan had requested the City Nazim Niamatullah Khan for maintenance of the People’s Sports Complex for the Pakistan-India match on top priority.

“It is requested that maintenance of CDGK Stadium and People’s Sports Complex, Karachi, be given top priority. And early confirmation in this regard will be appreciated as PFF has planned to organize match between Pakistan and India in May/June or the game will be shifted to other cities,” wrote the Arshad to City Nazim on April 14.

PFF opted against playing India in Karachi, although Pakistan organized at least two international events on same surface. PFF organized under-20 Asian championship qualifiers couple of years ago despite complaints from the participants, while home World Cup qualifying game against Tajikistan was also played last year.

PFF had been in the run for hosting the inaugural AFC President’s Cup at People’s Sports Complex despite poor facilities.

Surprisingly, despite being a rival faction having no PFF support, CDFAK protested on the decision, PFF-recognized Sindh Football Association (SFA) opted to keep a mum over the issue.

“We wished to play host to one of the matches but did not protest. We felt satisfied when told by PFF that Karachi will organize SAFF championship in December. But we have requested PFF to allow Karachi organize if fourth match is played,” said chairman of SFA, Abbas Baloch.

PFF director technical Lt-Col Mujahidullah said it was decided against playing India in Karachi since the city had been chosen to organize SAFF championship.

However, he was unconvincing when asked why Quetta had been chosen, although there had been reports about bumpy pitch during national championship couple of years ago.

“The venue has improved but I admit work has to be done in Quetta. We have told organizers that venue must be in perfect condition.”

“We did not receive any written or verbal reply from City Nazim about the maintenance of the stadium. But we haven’t omitted Karachi because of bad pitch. It was done as Karachi has been allotted SAFF championship, Mujahid said.