logo
Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources

Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources

Business Recorder12 hours ago
KARACHI: Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over 'security' concerns, government sources told AFP on Saturday, potentially jeopardising their place in next year's World Cup.
The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people.
Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance.
'After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,' said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified.
Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said.
Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India
Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings.
Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year's senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP.
Pakistan's foreign office has not responded to AFP's request for comment.
India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border.
Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad.
India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai.
In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026.
They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan's hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth amongst six teams.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fernandez warns about 'dangerous' heat
Fernandez warns about 'dangerous' heat

Express Tribune

time38 minutes ago

  • Express Tribune

Fernandez warns about 'dangerous' heat

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez said the scorching heat at the Club World Cup in the United States left him feeling dizzy and described the high temperatures as "dangerous" to play in. The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, which concludes on Sunday with Chelsea facing Paris Saint-Germain in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, has delivered a spectacle on the pitch but concerns over player welfare and lukewarm attendances in the U.S. have sparked a debate. Tuesday's semi-final between Chelsea and Fluminense which took place at 3 p.m. local time in New Jersey saw temperatures soar past 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) with over 54% humidity, prompting a National Weather Service warning. Soaring temperatures in several cities hosting the Club World Cup have been a focal point in the tournament, which is seen as a dry run for next year's men's World Cup. "Honestly, the heat is incredible. The other day I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy," Fernandez told reporters on Friday. "Playing in this temperature is very dangerous, it's very dangerous. Moreover, for the spectacle, for the people who come to enjoy the stadium, for the people who watch it at home. "The game, the speed of the game is not the same, everything becomes very slow. "Well, let's hope that next year they change the schedule, at least so that it remains a beautiful and attractive football spectacle, right?" the 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina added. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has also previously complained about the heat, saying it was "impossible" to organise regular training sessions in the afternoons in Philadelphia. "Some places have been really hot, the last round was hot and I was stuck watching it and I was thinking: 'wow, this is so tough.' I felt bad for them but they managed it really well," Chelsea centre back Levi Colwill said. PSG's success lies in team ethic: Enrique Paris St. Germain manager Luis Enrique emphasised on Friday that the key to his side's resurgence is a collective team ethic rather than reliance on individual brilliance, as the French and European champions prepare to face Chelsea in Sunday's Club World Cup final. The Parisians, buoyed by their historic Champions League triumph a little over a month ago, are chasing their first Club World Cup title. Luis Enrique has overseen a significant transformation at PSG, replacing departing stars Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe with a dynamic, youthful squad that embodies his total football philosophy. Speaking at a press conference at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Spaniard downplayed suggestions that he is the team's central figure, instead crediting the players' shared commitment to a common goal. "I'm not a star... I like the work I do. I enjoy my career, especially during difficult times," Luis Enrique said. "When things aren't going well, I feel better. It's nice when everything works out because the best thing about winning is making the people who follow us happy. I've been much better when I've been criticised than when I've been praised." Luis Enrique, who previously guided Barcelona to Champions League glory, hinted that this campaign could be among the finest of his managerial career but stressed that success would only be defined after Sunday's final. "Maybe this could be the best season of my coaching career. But there's still a final to win. When we've won it, we'll talk about it," he said. The Spaniard also highlighted the volatile nature of football, citing Manchester City's recent struggles as a cautionary tale. "We've seen Manchester City, for example. They won everything last year and then they lose 10 games and they're crushed. Pep Guardiola is still the best coach in the world and they're killing him. So I prefer criticism over praise because it makes you feel humble, it's the crude reality." Luis Enrique reiterated his vision for a team-first approach, declaring, "We have to be a team with eleven stars, not just one or two. Not even eleven, maybe thirteen, fifteen stars... The real star should be the entire team. That's what our club stands for. We'll lose again soon, for sure. We want stars, but in the service of the team."

Wasim Akram hails Mitchell Starc as ‘modern-day great' ahead of 100th Test
Wasim Akram hails Mitchell Starc as ‘modern-day great' ahead of 100th Test

Express Tribune

time9 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Wasim Akram hails Mitchell Starc as ‘modern-day great' ahead of 100th Test

Mitchell Starc will play his 100th Test when he takes the field against the West Indies on Saturday Photo: AFP Listen to article Pakistan fast bowling legend Wasim Akram on Saturday hailed Australia's Mitchell Starc as a "modern-day great" for reaching 100 Test appearances. Starc, who draws comparisons with fellow left-arm quick Akram, will reach the milestone later Saturday when the third Test against the West Indies begins in Jamaica. "It is a big deal in this day and age to reach 100 Tests, congratulations to Starc," Akram told AFP. "That shows the quality and resolve of the man." Congratulations Starcy on the 100-Test milestone! In this era, reaching such a landmark shows your commitment, consistency, and love for red-ball cricket — the purest form of the game. A modern-day great. Enjoy every bit of this achievement! I always enjoy watching you bowl. — Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) July 12, 2025 The 35-year-old becomes the 83rd player and 16th Australian to play 100 Tests, and only the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath. "To play 100 Tests shows how consistent Starc has been and also shows where his priorities lie -- that is to play red-ball cricket," said Akram. "He has also played Twenty20 and league cricket but his career in Test cricket is way ahead and to me he is a modern-day great." Starc stands on 395 Test wickets, so has the tantalising prospect of taking his landmark 400th wicket during his 100th Test. His strike rate is remarkably similar to Akram, who retired in 2002 after taking 414 wickets in 104 Tests. Both players, said Akram, had suffered injuries to "every joint, every part of the body" during their careers. "People often compare us but we have played in different eras," said Akram. "He's got the pace, he's got the swing and he's bowling very intelligently to the new batsman, especially with the new ball."

Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources
Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources

Business Recorder

time12 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources

KARACHI: Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over 'security' concerns, government sources told AFP on Saturday, potentially jeopardising their place in next year's World Cup. The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance. 'After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,' said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified. Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said. Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings. Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year's senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP. Pakistan's foreign office has not responded to AFP's request for comment. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border. Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad. India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan's hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth amongst six teams.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store