LAHORE, April 30: A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) committee on Saturday suggested against having a foreign coach at the moment, but recommended to keep open the doors for a foreigner if local coaches fail to deliver. “If local coaches fail, then foreign coaches can be hired,” a PHF official quoted the committee’s suggestions at a press briefing.

He said committee, headed by Olympian Khwaja Zakauddin, formed to decide which style of hockey should be adopted, had suggested “the style of hockey which gives victory should be adopted and we should not restrict to Asian style.”

Another committee for appointment of officials headed by Lt-Col Mudassar Asghar and probe committee for visa issue headed by Khwaja Zarar presented their reports. On the issue of senior team manager Samiullah’s resignation and later its withdrawal, secretary PHF Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan said it was not an issue.

“We should not make non-issue an issue. We need coordination to sort out the problem,” he said. The newly-formed “advisory board” approved a comprehensive programme to promote the game at the domestic level.

Super League, having lucrative cash prizes for individual, teams and their coaches begins in September. “I can’t disclose the incentives at the moment, but we have worked out all the details and will announce after signing the deal with the sponsors,” the official said.

Six teams, including four from the provinces and one each of Azad Kashmir and Islamabad, will take part in the league. To strengthen the weaker teams, guest players will be allowed, while decision on inviting foreign players will be taken later. The matches will be held under lights and the venue will either be Karachi or Lahore.

“Lahore is our first priority but if we fail to equip the National Hockey Stadium with lights by the time league starts, then event will be held in Karachi,” he said. PTV and a Dubai based TV channel will cover the league live.

The club championships at district, provincial levels will be organized this year for which PHF will extend financial help. Later, club championship will be held at national level.

Similarly, in July, inter-district level and then at provincial and national level championships will be held for which PHF will provide funds.

To promote hockey at school level, in the first phase PHF will assist the organisers of two tournaments being held regularly on annual basis in Karachi and one in Lahore. From next year, the programme will be expanded to district and national levels.

The official said women wing had decided to organize national championship in December this year. Pakistan team for Azlan Shah Cup and a new captain will be announced on May 8.