July 07, 2006	Friday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 10, 1427

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LAHORE, July 6: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary, Musarrat Ullah Khan, has said the PHF could not guarantee Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmad places in the national team for this month Champions Trophy in Spain.

"Sohail and Waseem called on the PHF president, Tariq Kirmani, in Karachi who allowed them to join the ongoing training camp at Abbotabad, but at the same time I am not in a position to guarantee their selection," he said at a press conference on Thursday.

"The trials are to be held by Wednesday and it would be difficult for the two players to prove the form and fitness. However, their performance in the camp would be watched with open mind," he said.

He said had they announced their decision on return from Holland in May, the PHF could have tried them in the Azlan Shah Cup ahead of the prestigious Champions Trophy.

Sohail came out of his retirement on Tuesday while Waseem announced his decision on Wednesday.

When asked that the coach and captain were consulted before giving them green signal to join the camp the secretary responded that all aspects were considered.

When his attention was drawn towards an interview of Saqlain in which he had opposed Sohail the PHF official said that was his (Saqlain) own stance.

"I believe Sohail and Waseem can play international hockey but the way they announced their retirement was objectionable for which the PHF had showed concern,”.

Replying to a question whether their selection would not affect the rebuilding process of the team the secretary said feedback would be sought from the selectors and the team management before taking a final decision.

He, however, stated that the players deserved a chance in the aftermath having accepted that they took the decision in haste.

He recalled the PHF had announced Sohail's name for the last year’s Champions Trophy after getting assurance from his employers but he failed to turn up.

The PHF secretary ruled out any possibility of waiving off six-month ban imposed on Tariq Aziz for hitting an Australian player in the final of the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

However, he hinted the ban for playing domestic hockey for six months could be removed.