LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) delayed the announcement of national women’s team after chief selector Saleem Sherwani finalised the squad following one-day trials held at the National Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday.

The 18-member squad was selected for the AHF Cup to be held in Thailand from Oct 1 to 9.

However, after finalising the team, Saleem decided not to announce it because PHF president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and secretary Shahbaz Senior were presently not in the country.

Interestingly, the reason given by the PHF authorities for delaying the team’s announcement has apparently no solid base since Sherwani and Saeed Khan, two World Cups-winning players, are included in the selection committee.

Defending the decision however, Sherwani said he had done his job (selection of women’s squad) and conveyed it to PHF women’s wing.

“After getting approval from the PHF president the team will be announced on Sept 10.”

When asked having a prominent name in hockey, should he not have announced the team, Sherwani insisted there was a specific procedure according to which PHF president’s consent (for announcing the team) was mandatory.

Published in Dawn September 8th, 2016