Uncertainty is hovering over the participation of Pakistani players in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier Hockey League in the wake of strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. The top tier clubs of Bangladesh usually pick several Pakistani players for the Premier Hockey League, however, the clubs are mulling alternatives this time around.Abahani Limited and Usha Krira Chakra contacted a number of Pakistani players for the forthcoming Premier League and Club Cup Hockey League but the two teams are now weighing in the option of recruiting Indian players.
‘We had finalised some Pakistani players for the upcoming league but as the situation of the country gradually changed, we had no other options but to think about the alternate options,’ said Abahani coach Mahbub Harun.
‘We are assessing the situation and afterwards we will take the final decision on the recruitment of foreign players. If the strained relation between the two countries still persists then we will bring in some Indian players,’ he added.
Not only Pakistani players, Usha KC had also contacted a Pakistani coach for the league and had all but confirmed the appointment of Rana Zahir, who previously guided the Bangladeshi top tier club on several occasions in the past.
‘We talked with Rana Zahir along with a few Pakistani national team players but we are yet to take the final decision,’ said Usha KC manager Rafiqul Islam.
‘Before taking the final decision we have to think about the security of the Pakistani players so maybe we have to think about other options,’ he added.
Meanwhile, most of the Indian national team players are spending a busy time by playing in different parts of the world. Most of the Indian players are featuring for several clubs in Europe so it will be tough to lure them to take part in the Premier League.
Compared to the Pakistani players, the clubs have to spend more on the Indian players which might also hinder the clubs.
The Bangladesh Hockey Federation also expressed their doubt regarding the participation of Pakistani players and an official said on Tuesday that the matter will be discussed in the next governing body meeting.
‘We are also in doubt about the whole matter because most of the clubs contacted the Pakistani players and our government is yet to give us any instruction regarding this topic,’ said BHF general secretary Khaja Rahamatullah. ‘After assessing the whole situation we will take the decision in our next governing body meeting.’
-With New Age input
