LAHORE, March 29: Pakistan hockey team manager-cum chief coach Zakauddin on Saturday defended the decision of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to announce the 33 probables for the national training camp in Lahore on April 8 and added that he will welcome any of the players the selectors might want to add to their list.

An official statement released here on Saturday said: “Khawaja Zakauddin regrets the unnecessary controversy started in the media over the selection and announcement of probables for the training camp. Such a controversy will damage the Pakistan hockey team beyond repair at a time when the Beijing Olympics are just around the corner.”

In a rejoinder to the outburst made by the chairman of the selection committee Islahuddin Siddiqui, the chief coach has said: “The selection committee watched the performance of the players during the recently concluded final round of the National Hockey Championship in Peshawar and I do not think that any wrong was committed in making the announcement.

“I have no objection if the selection committee would like to add a few more players whom they consider good enough to play in the events.

“But unfortunately this controversy has been created out of nothing which at a critical time like this can take our focus away from our original target — the Olympic Games. The controversy must come to an end.”

The PHF on Thursday had announced 33 probables for the training camp in preparation for two back-to-back international competitions — the Azlan Shah Cup and the European tour.

However, chief selector Islahuddin soon afterwards expressed his displeasure over the announcement and said the selectors had not been consulted over the finalised list of probables.

Islah is to hand over a fresh list to the PHF after a selection committee meeting in Karachi later on Saturday.