KARACHI: In an effort to bring international sports back to the country, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has written a letter to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to seek its permission for holding two international events this year.

“It’s now time that international sports should return to Pakistan,” PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said on Friday. “We are looking to organise two international events this year and we have written to the FIH to allow us to host these events.”

Due to precarious security situation prevailing in Pakistan after 9/11, international sports events in the country gradually dried up. And after the armed terrorist attack on visiting Sri Lankan cricket squad in Lahore in 2009 virtually ended international sports action in Pakistan.

Mujahid added that the PHF was looking forward to starting its own league this year under the banner Pakistan Hockey League. According to Mujahid, an Indian sports channel is ready to telecast this proposed event.

“In the first edition of the event, six to eight teams will participate. Every outfit will be allowed to have three foreign players in their line-up. The matches will be staged in Lahore and Karachi,” the PHF secretary added.

He further said that the PHF was also looking to organise the International Prime Minster Gold Invitational Hockey Cup. “We will hold this event on the lines of the Azlan Shah Cup.”

Mujahid hoped that the FIH would allow the PHF to host both the events.