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ISLAMABAD It seems a controversy is in the offing as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) as Zeeshan Asharf has been ignored intentionally by the federation’s management, which has resulted not only in the former captain’s ouster from the team but also from the national camp for the Azlan Shah Cup, it has been learnt reliably.
“A mail from Zeeshan Ashraf was received by the PHF management several days ago as the player informed [in the mail] that he was available for major events and added that youngsters should be given chance in regional tournaments,” a PHF official, who requested anonymity, told Dawn from Lahore.
The said official maintained that Zeeshan, who was instrumental in ending Pakistan’s 20-year gold medal drought at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, was ignored by every one at the PHF headquarters.
Some experts believe that the PHF management took the advantage from the senior players by ensuring a win at last year’s Asian Games and now the management has not much to offer to the seniors.
The PHF, the official said, neither responded to Zeeshan’s mail nor anyone from the federation called him to know the reasons behind his refusal.
“Zeeshan was also needed by Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel because other senior players were playing in the Azlan Shah Cup including Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt while goalkeeper Salman Akbar is available whenever needed,” stated the official.Zeeshan, who is training regularly, gave a rather diplomatic answer when approached for his comments on this matter.
“If they [PHF management] need me I will be available for any event. However, I will rather opt to play in the Champions Trophy and the [2012] Olympic Games,” Zeeshan said.
