March 04, 2007	Sunday	Safar 14, 1428

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KARACHI, March 3: Participation in India’s Premier Hockey League (PHL) is taking its toll on the Pakistani players as they are beginning to suffer from isolation and psychological problems, proving Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) policy of sending senior players across the border a damaging one.

It has been revealed in a report to PHF by former Pakistan captain Hanif Khan who was sent to India as one of the touring managers to observe the players who are playing at the seven-team league in Chennai and Chandigarh.

Hanif, who visited Chennai, has reported to PHF on Friday that Indian league has gradually left the Pakistani players mentally disturbed and physically stale.

The former mercurial forward says that since league is being played for more than a month, homesickness and isolation is upsetting the players who are finding it difficult to perform as expected.

The players are under extreme mental pressure and feel demoralised since their team officials are also complaining and criticising their below-par performances in the league.

Hanif said players have to play only a match or two in a week, while in between they have no social or any other activity except remaining indoors most of the time.

The legendary player observes that while staying away from their homes has its own psychological effect on players, the longish playing activity in India is also burning them out for the national duty.

The former left-in, who is also a former coach and selector, says it is an unfair treatment to the players on the part of PHF since they have to represent their departments at the national championship this month before appearing at Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in May.

He has suggested at least one month’s rest for the players who participate in the league to help them recover from mental and physical fatigue and get re-charged for international assignments, particularly in build-up to 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Hanif also advised PHF to send up-and-coming young players to PHL rather than those who are unable to bear the physical pressure because of age factor. According to Hanif, if junior players are sent, they would gain confidence and exposure at the league which will help them polish their raw skills.

At least 11 Pakistani senior team players are featuring in the league since Jan 4. They are Mohammad Waqas, Rehan Butt (Bangalore Lions), Zeeshan Ashraf, Sajjad Anwar (Chandigarh Dynamos), Mohammad Zubair (Chennai Veerans), Tariq Aziz, Shakeel Abbasi (Hyderabad Sultans), Adnan Maqsood, Imran Warsi (Maratha Warriors), Adnan Zakir, and Salman Akbar (Orissa Steelers).