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KARACHI: Pakistan’s veteran hockey players Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt and Salman Akbar could soon be eased out of the national squad if chief selector Hanif Khan’s recent statements are to be taken seriously.
“We are looking replacements for Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt and Salman Akbar. If selectors fail to find appropriate replacements we may again return to seniors,” Khan, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic gold medalist, said.
“We will try out the youngsters at the Asian Champions Trophy and Asia Cup to select the best combinations for the 2012 London Olympics,” he said.
“With Pakistan team playing against the best teams in the Champions Trophy and the top and the Asian Champions Trophy, it will be a great opportunity for the selectors and team management to judge their talent and capabilities,” he commented.
Khan also added that the decision to test young talent had come after persuasion from former greats and was ideal in the buildup to the Olympics.
“We have taken their suggestions in a positive manner and are trying to infuse more young blood in the team.”
Kashif Shah and Muhammad Tousiq have been earmarked as replacements for penalty corner specialist and world’s leading goal scorer Sohail Abbas but Khan gave a lifeline to the veterans by reiterating that their future was solely dependent on commitment and fitness.
Pakistan Hockey Federation selectors have left out Sohail Abbas, attacking forward Rehan Butt and goalie Salman Akbar from the 26 probables' list announced for the training camp in preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy being held in China from September 3.
