May 24, 2007	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 07, 1428

LAHORE, May 23: Pakistan are likely to miss forthcoming Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held in Chennai in September. Although the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been exchanging views with the organisers over terms and conditions of the tournament, it has decided against taking part in the event, sources said.

PHF secretary Khalid Mahmood said federation was considering an invitation and had sought some clarifications from the organisers on some terms and conditions.

"A final decision is yet to be taken," he said.

Chief coach Islahuddin Siddiqui has recently said he would prefer to remove basic flaws of the players before deciding to compete against the Asian teams since the Europeans had decided not to invite Pakistan due to declining standard.

Asia Cup will be participated by South Korea, India, Malaysia, China, Bangladesh and Japan.