Pak keen on having a hockey series with India

The series could be held in Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad, according to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Qasim Zia who had a meeting with the Sports Minister Shaukatullah on reviving hockey ties with India.

Zia told the Minister that talks were being held with their Indian counterparts as Pakistan was keen to play at least a three-match series before the Champions Trophy which will be held in India in December.

The PHF chief also outlined a proposal to organise a hockey series in Dubai early next year.
Pakistan twice went to India last year for the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games hockey events.

The Sports Minister said that a hockey series between Pakistan and India would be an essential tool for the progress and development of the sport in the region.

"It could also play a role of catalyst to minimize distance between the two countries and as well as increase people to people contact," Shaukatullah said.

Zia and PHF secretary Asif Bajwa met with the minister to brief him on the progress made to revive hockey series with India.

According to sources, the meeting was held on the directives of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani who is also chief patron of the hockey federation.

"The Prime Minister has directed the PHF and the sports ministry to find ways to revive hockey series with India on the lines of cricket as part of the ongoing goodwill process with the neighbouring country," sources said.