LAHORE, Dec 12: Pakistan hockey’s chief selector Khawaja Zakauddin on Wednesday denied statements attributed to him in the press regarding the return of senior players Sohail Abbas, Wasim Ahmed and Mohammad Saqlain and vowed to raise a winning combination for the next year’s Beijing Olympics pretty soon.

“There was a news item in the papers stating that I recommended the three senior players for reinclusion in the team. How can I ask for the players without having any knowledge of their match-fitness and availability?” asked Zaka at a press conference held today after the team’s return from Malaysia.

Both Sohail and Wasim had been recalled for the Champions Trophy training camp by PHF last month but they did not turn up for the same despite several reminders.

Zaka, while pinpointing the team’s flaws during the Champions Trophy, said the forward line lacked experience which affected the team’s show while the half-line and deep defence were clearly weak.

However, he said he was hopeful about Pakistan putting together a strong squad for the Olympics within the next six months.

Zaka emphasised that the national outfit needed to play around 30 to 35 international matches prior to the Beijing Olympics in order to gain experience and fluency in the game.

When reminded that no top-ranking international team was willing to tour Pakistan in the present political scenario, the PHF secretary dismissed the claims and added that Malaysia, China and Japan were ready to send their teams to Pakistan anytime.

“With further improvement in the political situation, the European teams may also respond positively,” he said.