ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former captain Shahbaz Ahmed has pleaded with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to recognise the World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament in India as it is promoting the game.

“I would request the FIH to recognise and support it (WSH) because it is promoting hockey,” Shahbaz was quoted as saying by Times of India on Sunday.

“It is not damaging the sport as the players are getting both recognition and popularity.”

Hailing the series as a great initiative, the former Pakistani ace, who is in India these days in connection with the tournament reckons that it is also letting players make some money on the same lines as cricket.

Shahbaz was of the opinion that the multi-million dollar WSH tournament could provide a much-needed boost to the sport in India.

“The WSH will encourage youngsters to play hockey. If you increase quantity then it is easier to find quality,” he said.

Shahbaz, who was named as man-of-the-tournament in the World Cups of 1990 and 1994 when Pakistan clinched the gold, said he does not see the possibility of senior Pakistan players being banned due to their participation in the WSH.

Top Pakistan players like Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Zeeshan Ashraf, Mohammad Imran, Waseem Ahmed and Imran Warsi are taking part in the ongoing event.—APP