LAHORE, Nov 19: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to make International Super League an annual feature from next year. “The first domestic super league last year produced encouraging results. We have decided to organize it annually,” president PHF Tariq Kirmani told a press conference.

Details about the format of the new league would be decided later as president was non-committal whether teams would be formed through involvement of national teams of foreign countries, clubs or individuals.

He said PHF generated Rs23million from the super league and after making expenditures of Rs16million, PHF made profit of Rs6.5million.

“I hope the international league will generate more funds for PHF and ultimately the players will be benefited,” he said.

The Council appointed former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui director technical.

Olympian Col Zafar Ali Khan (retd), who quit as team manager few years ago, has been appointed director development. Amir Raza Khan has been appointed media manager.

He said Islahuddin would be responsible for conducting trials under FIH rules during camps and tournaments organized by PHF.

He will give recommendations regarding merits or demerits of any rule and deal with all technical matters related to FIH or PHF. The former captain will also attend coaching and umpiring clinics as observer.

Zafar will organize clinics at regional and district levels and will hold short training camps under supervision of local coaches. The first such camp is likely to be held in January next year.

PHF president said Khusro Pervaiz, Qamar Mansoor, Naveed Malik and Younis Changezi had been appointed provincial coordinators.

Kirmani said players were earning more money as PHF had been giving Rs5,000 for a win in every match. Furthermore, the daily allowance had been raised from Rs 250 to $50.

Asked why players like Ghazanfar Ali, Mohammad Nadeem, Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmad, were opting to play league abroad despite these measures, the president said PHF was trying to reward the players and would give more cash incentives.

The president did not agree that PHF was showing double standards while dealing with foreign and local coaches. PHF gave thousands of dollars to Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, while Pakistani coaches are working without any incentive.

“We are taking steps to increase the financial budget and will give maximum to the players and the Pakistani coaches,” he vowed.

PHF secretary Musarrat Ullah Khan was hopeful that controversial midfielder Saqlain would lead the Pakistan team in the Champions Trophy in Chennai, India from Dec 10 to 18.

“The PHF has hired the services of a professional lawyer and he will fight Saqlain’s case before FIH on Nov 27, he said.

“In case of a decision against Saqlain, the PHF will appeal to the IOC which has the authority to suspend the decision of the FIH. In that case Saqlain will be allowed to play in Champions Trophy,” the secretary said.