Hockey fans likely to be deprived of India vs Pakistan matches this year

Abdul Haseem Khan and Sardar Singh during the 2012 Champions Trophy

It’s bad news for hockey fans worldwide as the bilateral hockey series between India and Pakistan is not likely to happen this year.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation had recently announced a schedule for hosting the bilateral series in June-July but Hockey India (HI) does not seem ready for something like that this year, and instead feels 2015 would be a more appropriate time to organize this series.

As reported by TOI and other sources, Hockey India is yet to approach the government for clearance of this bilateral series and HI will seek clearance for the tour after a new government is in place.

“We are committed to the tour but we haven’t sought permission for it yet. There is no point in putting the request now as a new government will be in place soon. We will try our best to organise the series this year but it’s highly unlikely. I feel whatever will happen it will happen next year as the new government will need time to settle down before taking such important decisions,” a top HI source was quoted as saying.

Both the PHF and HI had earlier agreed to hold the series in the months of March and April, but it had to be postponed as there was a delay in getting permission from the respective governments.

Sports matches between India and Pakistan are known to be intense battle fields for both the nations. The two teams last played against each other in a bilateral hockey series in 2006, with three matches taking place in each country. Pakistan won three and India won one, while the remaining two were drawn.

A home-and-away India vs Pakistan series was cancelled last year after the Indian government refused to grant permission for the same on security grounds.