KARACHI: Former Pakistan Captain and Olympian, Islahuddin Siddiqui has called for boycotting the upcoming Hockey World Cup to be staged in India next month. “Because of strained Indo-Pak relations and security threats from different extremist group in India, will put Pakistan players under pressure,” he told here on Wednesday.
“Sports-loving public of both the neighboring countries are eager to see their stalwarts in action but a few elements across the borders trying to sabotage sporting ties,” he commented.
“In such a scenario it will be very difficult for our players to concentrate and excel,” he reckoned.
“Pakistan is definitely showing signs of improvement but performing well under adverse conditions can be very difficult for them,” he maintained.
12-nation International Hockey Federation World Cup will be held at New Delhi from February, 28 to March, 11. Four-times Champions Pakistan are scheduled to take on arch-rival India in the inaugural match of the championship.
He questioned when franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had not picked Pakistani cricketers because of security fears, under such circumstances how they would provide security to big Pakistan hockey contingent.
Islahuddin, who served as Pakistan team coach and manager, said like him, Pakistan Hockey Federation was also showing security apprehensions.
“Not picking Pak cricketers in IPL auction has sent a negative message in sub-continent and the world, which show conditions are not conducive to play in India,” he added.
“Sports-loving public of both the neighboring countries are eager to see their stalwarts in action but a few elements across the borders trying to sabotage sporting ties,” he commented.
“In such a scenario it will be very difficult for our players to concentrate and excel,” he reckoned.
“Pakistan is definitely showing signs of improvement but performing well under adverse conditions can be very difficult for them,” he maintained.
12-nation International Hockey Federation World Cup will be held at New Delhi from February, 28 to March, 11. Four-times Champions Pakistan are scheduled to take on arch-rival India in the inaugural match of the championship.
He questioned when franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had not picked Pakistani cricketers because of security fears, under such circumstances how they would provide security to big Pakistan hockey contingent.
Islahuddin, who served as Pakistan team coach and manager, said like him, Pakistan Hockey Federation was also showing security apprehensions.
“Not picking Pak cricketers in IPL auction has sent a negative message in sub-continent and the world, which show conditions are not conducive to play in India,” he added.
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