The players are expected to back Bajwa and the PHF at the meeting, saying they would not play if Bajwa is removed. —AFP Photo

KARACHI The “retired” Pakistan hockey team is likely to put its weight behind Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa when it meets the federal sports minister on Tuesday

Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani is scheduled to meet team for a grilling session following Pakistan's worst ever World Cup performance in New Delhi, where they finished last.

Sources told Dawn.com that the players are expected to back Bajwa and the PHF at the meeting, saying they would not play if Bajwa is removed.

“The players have been instructed by Asif to tell the minister that they want him (Bajwa) to remain the secretary or they will not play for Pakistan. If that really happens then it will promote player power just the way it was promoted before 1996 Olympics when a group of players led by Shahbaz Ahmad revolted against the PHF and their demands were accepted,” sources said.

While rounds of verbal spat continued between a PHF-backed group and some disgruntled Olympians in the wake of World Cup debacle, Jakhrani has decided to meet the team members in person to inquire the reasons behind the poor performance.

The group consisting of many Olympians sidelined by Bajwa unleashed a campaign against the PHF, particularly secretary, but has been praising the federation chief Qasim Zia who has always been at the forefront to defend his secretary.

Meanwhile, Bajwa has been battling against his rivals and in the process organised press conferences in Karachi and Lahore on Monday to ward off the challenge.

“There might be some big changes within two or three days and Asif Bajwa is likely to be removed from his position as Qasim Zia might be meeting the prime minister on Tuesday.”

Zia's meeting with the PM may be followed by a major re-shuffle in the federation and if Bajwa is removed, his place may be taken up by former coach Ayaz Mahmood or Rana Mujahid.

Mahmood is a former Olympian who was initially named chief coach but Shahid Ali Khan was later brought in to replace him as he was not relieved of his duties by PIA. It remains unclear if he will accept the position and if he does, whether it will be on his own conditions or the PHF's.

He last worked with the federation as the junior team coach in 2002, after which he parted ways with the PHF, saying he would like to spend time with his family and work for PIA instead of holding an official position with the PHF.

As things stand, the next few days remain crucial for Pakistan hockey as the composition of the national team and federation will be decided therein.