KARACHI, Aug 23: Former hockey greats on Saturday heaped scorn after Pakistan’s worst-ever drubbing by arch-rivals India at Champions Trophy and suggested to show aging goalkeeper Ahmad Alam the door after pathetic performance.

Olympian Rasheedul Hassan said Pakistan’s defeat was incomprehensible since they were leading 3-0, 4-2 and a serious soul searching was needed after immediate removal of coach Tahir Zaman and Ahmad.

“We are creating records after records of poor results and yet the coach is sticking to his place which is not understandable. I think Tahir should be immediately removed. It was under his coaching the team gave some of record-breaking worst performances last year and now against India,” he said.

India carved out a record-shattering 7-4 victory over Pakistan in a league match. It was the biggest margin win for India against Pakistan in the 56 year hockey history of the country.

“Pakistan are the ones who have created record of scoring big margin wins against India. We have defeated the Indians with huge margins at home and in their own backyard. We routed the arch- foes 7-1 at 1980 Karachi Champions Trophy and then at Delhi Asian Games in 1982,” he said.

Rasheed, a member of 1984 Los Angles Olympics gold medal-winning team, questioned the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) why it had been unable to sack Tahir despite the ignominious showings under his wings.

Rasheed took a swipe at Ahmad for what he called bizarre goalkeeping during the game against the Indians and added it was at least three goals Pakistan conceded because of his blunders.

“I am unable to understand why Ahmad left the goal unguarded. He rushed from his line each time and the team conceded goals late into the second half. He always crumbles in crucial games and pressure situation. I think he has played enough hockey and should be sent home for good,” he opined.

Ahmad came back into the squad last year after cajoling PHF top officials following his retirement after dismal show at 2001 Azlan Shah Cup where he conceded 25 goals. The goalkeeper, who so far has conceded no less then 18 out of 20 goals in the ongoing tournament, has developed a habit of rushing from his line for some last two years.

Rasheed said Mohammad Saqlain should have kept his cool at the fag end of the game against India rather than involve in unnecessary brawl with the rival players.

“The brawl broke the tempo of the game and did nothing good to the team which totally collapsed. The players should have been looking for an equalizer or even winning after going 7-4 down rather then indulge in a quarrel.”

Ayaz Mahmood joined the chorus of criticism asking PHF to look for a younger and agile goalkeeper after a worst show against India.

“I think there is no reason Ahmad should be allowed to continue. What is the use of a veteran goalie having 206 caps under his belt who even can’t guard the goal like he should,” he advised.

The former Olympian slammed the bench officials for calling stand-in goalkeeper Salman Akbar back after he conceded two goals against Argentina.

“That was nothing but demoralizing for a youngster like Salman who is an asset. Now look what kind of performance experienced Ahmad has given against India,” he added.

Former captain Samiullah said the worst-ever show was disappointing which was because of poor goalkeeping and lack of coordination.

“It was the worst goalkeeping I saw in my life. I think (Mohammad) Qasim and Salman (Akbar) should have been retained after last year’s World Cup,” he said.