Rasool asks Shakeel Abbasi to rejoin Asia Cup camp

Published July 26, 2013
Shakeel Abbasi. -Photo by AP
Shakeel Abbasi. -Photo by AP

KARACHI: Pakistan's forward Shakeel Abbasi has been asked to rejoin the ongoing training camp for the Asia Cup, after he was controversially expelled by hockey coach Akhtar Rasool from the camp for fasting, DawnNews reported on Friday.

Abbasi had been expelled from the camp due to breach of discipline as the team had been told not to fast because it affects players' health, form and fitness.

"If Abbasi wants to fast he should do it at home. This is a national camp and all players are required to focus on their training," Rasool had said.

However, Rasool said his comments had been taken out of context and his only concern was the player's health.

Abbasi also requested the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to avoid scheduling major tournaments around the month of Ramazan. He said that he had been fasting during Ramazan throughout his career and was positive that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will come up with a solution.

"I want to request FIH not to organise any major tournament during and around the month of Ramazan. Asia Cup is an important tournament and it is going to be held just after Ramazan where Muslim majority countries like Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh are playing," the Press Trust of India quoted Abbasi as saying.

The Asia Cup, a must-win event for Pakistan if the Greenshirts want to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, is scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from August 24.

Opinion

Editorial

Threat perception
Updated 07 Dec, 2024

Threat perception

Despite clear proof of the threat posed by malign armed actors, the military and civilian leadership prefers to focus on political opponents.
Humanity at risk
07 Dec, 2024

Humanity at risk

HUMAN trafficking continues to remain an area where the state has utterly failed its citizens. While global...
Banks and larger goals
07 Dec, 2024

Banks and larger goals

THAT banks in Pakistan “prioritise profit over purpose” and promote financial products with limited knowledge of...
Gaza genocide
Updated 06 Dec, 2024

Gaza genocide

Unless Western states cease their unflinching support to Israel, the genocide is unlikely to end.
Agri tax changes
06 Dec, 2024

Agri tax changes

IT is quite surprising if not disconcerting to see the PPP government in Sindh dragging its feet on the changes to...
AJK unrest
06 Dec, 2024

AJK unrest

THERE is trouble brewing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where a coalition comprising various civil society organisations...