KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 32 probables for a month-long camp in preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games being held at Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4 to 15.

The probables have been directed to report to manager Hasan Sardar at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. Training starts the following day.

The PHF officials, who are looking to hire the services of foreign specialised coaches, also held discussions with Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans in Muscat during the three-nation tournament. Oltmans has coached Pakistan team in the past too.

Meanwhile, a South African goal-keeping coach, Erasmus Pieterse, has arrived here the other day on a assignment and started training a group of men’s and women’s goalkeepers at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Stadium.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s weaknesses were thoroughly exposed during the triangular event which was won by minnows Japan who edged out Pakistan 3-2 in the Muscat final recently.

Pakistan were held to a two-all draw by Japan and four-all by low-ranked Oman in the league matches that has raised many eyebrows.

Probables:

Imran Butt, Mazhar Abbas, Amjad Ali, M.Irfan Sr, Faisal Qadir, Mubashir Ali, Aleem Bilal, Tazeem-ul-Hassan, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Abubakr Mahmood, Tauseeq Arshad, M.Rizwan Sr, Shafqat Rasool, Dilbar, Shan Irshad, M.Irfan Jr, Rana Sohail, Ateeq Arshad, Samiullah, Azfar Yaqoob, Ali Shan, Ajaz Ahmad, Arslan Qadir, Shajeeh Ahmad, Umar Bhutta, M.Rizwan Jr, Atif Mushtaq, Umar Hamdi, Taimoor Malik, Tasawwar Abbas, Khizer, Junaid Kamal.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2018