India, Belgium and Pakistan will play a three-nation hockey tournament in Chennai from January 22 to 30.
The Indian team management and the Indian Hockey Federation had initially planned a Test series between India and Belgium but Pakistan agreed to play when they were approached.
"Pakistan have confirmed their availability and there will be a three-nation tournament," confirmed IHF secretary K Jothikumaran from Chennai. The three teams will play against the other two twice each and the top two will play the final.
"Such a tournament was needed before the Olympic qualifiers in March. India will get to play four matches and another if they are in the final. So that will make a total of five matches against top-quality opposition,” Jothikumaran added.
Australian Ric Charlesworth, the technical adviser for Indian hockey, is coordinating things. "Ric is coordinating with the Belgian team," Jothikumaran said.
"Initially, there were plans to have the matches in Chandigarh. But the Belgians wanted to play in warmer conditions and something that is close to what it will be during the Olympics in Beijing. So, Chennai was the obvious choice."
Asked if any new players will be tried out, Jothikumaran said: "The team management will keep the core group. However, we have to see if any exceptionally good players come up in the PHL."
Pakistan and Belgium have already qualified for the Olympics.