KARACHI, May 18: Newly-appointed chief hockey selector Khawaja Zakauddin is on a collision course with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief, its secretary and a selector for showing willingness to recall three debarred players — Mohammad Saqlain, Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmad.

Zaka, who was named chairman of the selection committee on April 23 when the Pakistan squad for Azlan Shah Cup was announced, has thrown his weight behind the controversial trio, saying he will consider the three players if they prove their physical fitness in the camp.

But his wish to bring back the group of three is certainly an open challenge to PHF chief Zafarullah Jamali’s decision of banning the indisciplined players for showing disrespect to the national colours.

The three along with Ghazanfar Ali and Dilawar Hussain were banned by Jamali on Nov 6 last year as they never paid heed to PHF calls for Asian Games national training camp in Islamabad and Karachi. The reason, apparently, was monetary gains as the group preferred to play in foreign leagues while ignoring call-ups for national duty.

“All five players went to play in the leagues abroad. They had the option to join Pakistan training camp or play in leagues and they chose to play in leagues. Since now they have left us, we will never consider them in future. They will never be in team at least until I am at the helm,” Jamali had told a press conference last year.

It is not only Jamali who has made it clear that any of five players would never don the national colours since they preferred money over national pride. PHF secretary Khalid Mehmood, also a former Pakistan captain, didn’t mince any words in saying that the matter had already been settled and chapter closed.

“PHF president has already given the policy. I had personally talked to Sohail before the World Cup and told him he should not have overlooked national duty. But he again showed his true colour. I think that chapter is closed,” the secretary said from Lahore.

Endorsing Khalid’s views, former Olympian and selector Samiullah said the controversial players are ancient history and the team needs young blood.

“It is nothing about ego, it is about hockey. I personally feel that Sohail, Saqlain or Waseem should never be brought back into the squad. We should go forward as our target in 2008 Beijing Olympics,” Sami told Dawn.

He added that bringing three debarred seniors will only disturb the progress and composition of the team.

“If we bring those senior players, then we will have to axe three the youngsters. And I strongly believe this is no time to get into this sort of adventure. We don’t have time for that. I feel that we should finalise our Olympic squad by August when we play four-nation in Beijing,” the Olympian said.

Interestingly, Pakistan captain Rehan Butt had expressed confidence on the younger lot soon after the announcement of Asian Games squad, making it clear that absence of five seniors would not pose any problem.

Sohail and Waseem might be brilliant during their heyday but their careers are blemished with several incidents of ignoring national duty and other violations.

The pair first skipped two four-nation tournaments in Australia to play German league but Gen Aziz Khan and Musarrat Ullah Khan-led PHF encouraged them by including them in Champions Trophy squad on their return after a meagre Rs 100,000 fine.

They called it a day soon after 2004 Champions Trophy in Lahore, saying they wanted youngsters to take over. PHF called them up several times but the duo never showed up until 2006 Champions Trophy in Spain and World Cup in Monchengladbach, Germany after offering apologies.

Following the two major events, Sohail and Waseem again went into hibernation and preferred foreign league over representing their country at Asian Games.

Saqlain has a history of indiscipline and had been slapped 1000-euro fine and three match suspension by International Hockey Federation (FIH) for seriously injuring Aussie Victory Craig at Hamburg Masters in 2005.

He was also booted out from 2004 Athens Games squad by coach Roelant Oltmans for hitting team-mate Adnan Maqsood before being suspended for one match for hitting a South Korean player during Azlan Shah Cup last year.