KUALA LUMPUR: Former India coach V. Baskaran has urged the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to take firm action against Pakistan for withdrawing from the Junior World Cup (JWC).
The tournament will be staged in Madurai and Chennai from Nov 28-Dec 10.
It marks the second time this year the Green Shirts have pulled out of an event hosted by India.
In August, they withdrew from the Asia Cup in Bihar, citing security concerns.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has now declared that its national junior team will only compete in the JWC if it is held outside India.
Pakistan were drawn in Group B alongside India, Chile and Switzerland.
Ironically, the current FIH president, Tayyab Ikram, is a Pakistani, yet has done little to resolve the issue.
Baskaran, a former India captain, said Pakistan’s U-turn was puzzling as their government had already granted permission for the team to participate when the draw was made in May.
“Now, with just a month left before the tournament begins, they’ve suddenly decided not to travel,” said Baskaran, who guided India to a runner-up finish at the 1997 JWV in England.
“Indian fans want Pakistan to play. Matches between India and Pakistan have always kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
“I believe the Pakistan players themselves want to play. They showed real pedigree by holding India to a 3-3 draw at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup.”
Baskaran also warned that the same issue could resurface when the FIH Pro League begins in December.
India and Pakistan are both scheduled to compete alongside top nations such as Australia and the Netherlands.
“FIH should appeal directly to the Pakistan government to allow its junior team to take part in the JWC,” said Baskaran, who captained India to Olympic gold at the 1980 Moscow Games.
He added that if Pakistan stand firm on their decision, both the FIH and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) must treat the matter with utmost seriousness.
“The FIH disciplinary committee should take action against Pakistan, even to the extend of suspending them. This is not the first time they’ve withdrawn from a tournament this year,” he said.
No action was taken after Pakistan pulled out of the Asia Cup at the last minute in August. Bangladesh replaced them and finished sixth out of eight teams.
Pakistan are scheduled to face Bangladesh in Dhaka on Nov 13, 14 and 16 to determine which team advances to the World Cup qualifiers.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
