PHF seek security clearance from sports ministry

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has sent a formal request to the sports ministry seeking clearance for sending the national team to India for competing in the World Cup to be held in New Delhi from February 28.

"We are expecting to get an approval and security clearance from relevant ministries within a week's time and in the meantime our preparations for the tournament are continuing as per schedule," PHF secretary Asif Bajwa said.

The PHF decided to seek clearance after sporting relations with India soured following the humiliation Pakistani cricketers suffered at the IPL auction.

All the 11 Pakistani players were ignored at the Mumbai auction and some former cricketers and Olympians suggested that the government should not send the team for the hockey World Cup.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its opening match against India on February 28.

Bajwa said they have got security assurances from the International hockey Federation and organisers but since the event was in India, the Federation needed government advice and approval to avoid any unpleasant incidents.

"We have some concerns about the security of our players and that is why we are seeking clearance from the ministry of sports," he said.