New Zealand likely to replace Pak

New Zealand’s hockey team is likely to replace Pakistan in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup tournament to be held in Chandigarh and Jalandhar from January 31.

New Zealand’s hockey team is likely to replace Pakistan in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup tournament to be held in Chandigarh and Jalandhar from January 31.

Although they are yet to confirm their participation for the tournament, former Olympian and Director of the Punjab Sports Department, Pargat Singh said in all likelihood, the Kiwis would replace Pakistan.

“Most probably, New Zealand will replace Pakistan in the tournament. We have made invited them through ad-hoc committee and we are expecting an official confirmation within a day or two,” said Pargat.

Story continues below this ad

Pakistan were supposed to join Germany, the Netherlands and hosts India for the double-leg tournament but chances of their participation look slim after the Mumbai terror attacks strained the sporting ties between the two nations and India called off their cricket team’s tour to Pakistan.

Pakistan Hockey Federation expressed keen interest to send the team to India but said a final decision would be taken by the Foreign Ministry. Though it’s yet to be officially announced, the ad-hoc committee for Indian hockey virtually confirmed that Pakistan is out of the tournament.

“Pakistan are unlikely to tour India for the Punjab Gold Cup. We have discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministry,” a member of the committee said.