KARACHI, Sept 6: Saudi Pak Bank (SPB) unveiled the sponsorship for Saudi Pak Northern Cavaliers (SPNC) team for the inaugural Super Hockey League (SHL) 2005 at a ceremony held on Tuesday.

President and CEO (SPB), Mansoor M Khan presided over the event. Also present on the occasion were Sindh Sports Minister, Qamar Mansoor.

Speaking on the occasion, president SPB underlined his bank’s commitment to support and nurture worthy causes.

He explained that in partnership with Pakistan Hockey Federation, the bank was determined to give a much needed boost to hockey by “promoting higher playing standards and giving young players a chance to display their skills.”

Six teams would participate in SHL, which would be held from Sept 8-18 at Hockey Club of Pakistan.

SPNC will represent the Northern Areas of Pakistan, which would have the services of international forward, Rehan Butt, one of the best strikers Pakistan.

The team would also include Indian international, Arjun Hallapa.

SPNC: Nadeem ND (Captain), Rehan Butt, Nasir Ahmed, Arjun Hallapa, M Imran, Saleem Khalid, Akhter Ali, Dilawar, Kashif Yaqoob, Amir Saleem, Sultan Ashraf, Khalid Mehmood, Mehmood Ali, Shakir Muneer, Fayaz Ahmed, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Mudassar Abbas, Rauf, Yasin Dilawer and Irfan Sheikh.

Rana Zaheer (head coach), Safdar Abbas (assistant coach) and Arshad (goalkeeping coach). Ashraf Awan (manager).

SHAN-E-PUNJAB

Meanwhile, president of MCB, Aftab Manzoor honoured on Tuesday Shan-e-Punjab team which will be featuring in the SHL. MCB is sponsoring the Shan-e-Punjab team.

All the members of Shan-e-Punjab were introduced to Aftab Manzoor and he wished them good luck for the event. He expressed the hope that the boys would give their best in the field and maintain sportsmanship.

The ceremony was also attended by five Indian players Dilip Tirkey, Gagan Ajit Singh, Viren Resquina, Adrian D’Souza and their manager Sampat Singh besides the manager of Shan-e-Punjab team.

Two league matches will be played daily starting at 6.30pm and 9.30pm, tournament director Islahuddin Siddiqui said on Tuesday.

He said one match would be spread over four halves with 17 minutes and 30 seconds quarter each and two minutes and 30 seconds break would be observed during breaks.

The SHL will be played according to FIH rules and regulations.

He said all the matches has to be decided at all cost, in case of deadlock in the regulation 70-minute play, two extra halves of seven and half minutes will be organize to achieve the result.

Islah said if no result was achieved in extra-time, a sudden-death penalty stroke session would be awarded to determine the winner. prize money RAISED

PHF raised the prize money for the best players and best goalkeepers of the SHL.

Best player of the SHL will get Rs300,000, the second best player will be awarded Rs200,000 while the third best player of the SHL will get richer by Rs100,000.

Accordingly the best goal keeper will take Rs20,0000 while Rs100,000 and Rs50,000 will be given to second and third best goal keepers of the league.—Agencies