Pak players in PHL facing isolation, psychological problems: report

Lahore, Mar 4 (UNI) In what could be a big embarrassment to the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and a source of strained relations with their Pakistani counterparts, a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)-appointed observer and former Olympian has asked to discontinue sending top Pakistani players in the PHL citing that they suffer from ''isolation and psychological problems'' in their stint in India.

Former Pakistan captain Hanif Khan, who was sent to India by PHF as one of the touring managers to observe the Pakistani players at the seven-team League in Chennai and Chandigarh, has submitted a report to the federation which said the PHL has left the Pakistani players ''mentally disturbed and physically stale'' for the constant criticism by the team officials for their below-par performances in the League.

Hanif's damaging report could lead to strained relations between the two federations just ahead of their officials' meeting in Chandigarh to decide the new dates for the Indo-Pak hockey Test series. The series was earlier scheduled to be held this and next month, but the two federations later decided to defer it in May.

Hanif had advised the PHF to send upcoming and young players who would be able to bear the pressure better than the seniors. The junior players would also gain confidence and exposure at the League which will help them polish their raw skills, a report in 'The Dawn' said today, quoting Hanif's reccommendations to the PHF.

''Since the league is being played for more than a month, homesickness and isolation are upsetting the players who are finding it difficult to perform as expected. The players are under extreme mental pressure and feel demoralised since their team officials are also complaining and criticising their below-par performances in the league,'' Hanif had written in his report.

Hanif said players have to play only a match or two in a week, while in between they have no social or any other activity except remaining indoors most of the time and this would lead to burning out of players before doing their national duty.

''It is an unfair treatment to the players on the part of PHF since they have to represent their departments at this month's national championship before participating at the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia slated for May,'' former coach who played left-in said.

He has suggested at least one month's rest for all the players who participated in the PHL to help them recover from their mental and physical fatigue and get re-charged for international assignments, particularly in the build-up to 2008 Beijing Olympics.

At least 11 Pakistani senior team players are featuring in the League since January 4. They are Mohammad Waqas and Rehan Butt (Bangalore Lions); Zeeshan Ashraf and Sajjad Anwar (Chandigarh Dynamos); Mohammad Zubair (Chennai Veerans), Tariq Aziz and Shakeel Abbasi (Hyderabad Sultans); Adnan Maqsood, and Imran Warsi (Maratha Warriors); Adnan Zakir and and Salman Akbar (Orissa Steelers).

UNI