If the players retain their form, they can still be part of the national team: Qasim Zia. -File Photo

KARACHI: The Chief of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia said on Tuesday that they have no plans to forcibly retire veteran hockey players.

“The selection of the players will be purely on form and fitness,” he told reporters after attending the prize distribution ceremony of the National Women Hockey Championship at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium.

“It is the job of selection committee to decide their fate. If they are not physically fit and good enough to represent Pakistan selectors have the right to axe them,” he commented.

He complimented the players for winning the gold medal in the Asian Games in Guangzhou last November after 20 years.

Qasim Zia said if players like Sohail Abbas, Waseem Ahmed, Rehan Butt, Salman Akber and captain Zeeshan Ashraf proved their fitness and form and if selectors were happy with their showing, they can retain their places in the national team.

Responding to a question about non payments of the central contract salaries and cash awards to Pakistan team members announced by the Pakistan Sports and the Prime Minister, he said funds of federation are not being released.

However he promised that as soon funds will be released by PSB, the players’ demands will be fulfilled.

To a question about the reported reservations of Pakistan's Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel, he said he had not spoken to him in a long time.

There were reports that Dutch coach was not keen to continue with the Pakistan team for various reasons.