Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan hockey team are set to play a five-match series with New Zealand which will be followed by participation in a four-nation tournament in Australia, confirmed the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Saturday.

According to the proposed itinerary, matches against New Zealand will take place in the first week of March while the four-nation tournament will take place at the end of the same month.

The team will then participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which is going to be held in Malaysia in April before leaving for the Europe tour.

“The year 2017 is very important for us,” PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmad Senior told media. “We have to play in London in the World League and the Asia Cup as well. “The PHF is doing everything to prepare a good squad before these events. We are glad to receive confirmation from both countries’ federations.”

After the junior team’s exclusion from the Junior Hockey World Cup, the PHF is looking to accommodate them in the senior team but Shahbaz said that they would have to prove their potential first. “It will be a great opportunity for us to play against New Zealand and in the four-nation event in Australia,” said chief coach Khawaja Junaid. “Our ultimate goal is to show good performances in the World League that will help us book a spot in the World Cup.” The PHF is planning to hold a training camp from January 10 in Lahore where performers from ongoing national departmental championship will be invited. The PHF is also in pursuit of sponsors who can help them bear the costs of the team till June.