KARACHI, Sept 9: A number of "guest players" are to appear for different outfits in the Under-20 hockey championship which begins on Friday at Hockey Club of Pakistan. Organizers argue that players who fail to find a place in the provincial squads will be allowed to play as guest players for other participating teams.

According to organizers, rules have been what they say "relaxed" to give an opportunity to the players to figure in the contest. However, PHF rules do not allow players to switch over to other teams in the domestic tournaments.

Ironically, PHF neither has Under-14, Under-16 squads and Under-18 squads, while it allegedly fielded over-age players in the Under-21 Junior Asia Cup organized in Karachi in April.

On the other hand, because of leniency by PHF quite a few departments who used to field their outfits in the tournament few years ago will stay away from the competition. Since PHF does not urge its affiliated units to prepare youth squads, departments like Customs, Habib Bank and Wapda will not be featuring in the tournament.

PAF PULLS OUT

KARACHI, Sept 9: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday evening pulled out of the NBP Trophy junior hockey tournament, which will go into action from Friday. As a make-shift arrangement, NBP will now take on KESC in an exhibition match to mark the opening of the tournament. -APP