Dhanraj, Bhaskaran flay HI move

The World Cup was originally scheduled in the capital from March 7 to 20 but the International Hockey Federation (FIH) advanced it by a week to avoid a clash with the third season of the IPL slated for March 12-April 25.

To add to that, Hockey India President AK Mattoo had hinted that there is a strong possibility of rescheduling the final of the elite event scheduled for March 13, since it clashes with an IPL double header.

Pillay, one of India’s most successful forwards and a member of the selection committee, said he was extremely disappointed with the decision.

“IPL is a domestic tournament and the World Cup is only next to Olympics.

“It should not have happened, this is wrong. World Cup dates were announced early and IPL should have been postponed and not the World Cup,” Dhanraj said.

“And if they are now thinking of shifting the World Cup final then I would say they are not committed and have submitted to cricket,” the former skipper fumed.

Former India coach Bhas-karan was equally annoyed and said things like this happen only in India.

“I am really angry. They should not have agreed (to prepone it). World Cup is bigger than IPL. Best countries participate in it,” Bhaskaran said.

“Had it been in any other country, it would not have happened. World Cup is World Cup and IPL is entertainment.

“The  IPL is not an issue of national pride but in the World Cup, a country’s prestige is at stake,” said the former Indian captain.

He was of the view that the organisers should have gone ahead with the original date even if it clashed with IPL.

“I don’t know why they fear cricket. Fans would have turned up to watch hockey. Somdev (Devvarman) had drawn big crowd in Chennai during the ATP event.

“Why would people not come and watch the hockey World Cup?” he said.