KARACHI: Asian Games silver medallists Pakistan hockey team have been invited to play a series of Test matches against South Korean team between Nov 20 and 27.

“The South Korean Hockey Association extended an invitation to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) after their fine performances in the Asian Games,” chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh said on Wednesday. He said the itinerary for the tour to South Korea was yet to be finalized but four to five Test matches will be played between Nov 20 and 27.

Ex-Olympian Shahnaz said it will be good incentive for the visitors as hosts will be providing air passage, boarding and lodging to Pakistan squad. “It will be a good preparation for Pakistan team ahead of the Champions Trophy as South Koreans are a very competent team,” he said.

He said the Koreans have invited Pakistan to prepare for the next year’s Challenge Cup semifinal league.

The trials to select an 18-member Pakistan squad for the South Korean trip as well as the Champions Trophy are expected to be held on Nov 9-10 at the Hockey Club of Pakistan here. “We are waiting for top senior players featuring in Hong Kong, England and the Netherlands leagues to join the training camp,” said Shahnaz.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Punjab team which is currently featuring in the Surjeet Singh Cup in India is also expected to return this week.

He informed that Pakistan team may return to Lahore directly from Seoul and may leave for Bhubneshwar (India) for the Champions Trophy on Dec 2.

Shahnaz said half-back Faisal Qadir, who was standby for Asian Games, was out of the trials after suffering a hairline fracture in the left leg.

“He (Faisal) was taken to Jinnah Hospital after injury where his leg has been put in plaster,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2014