Diving in stack of loans; how will cash strapped Pakistan repay fine imposed by International Hockey Federation?

Islamabad, April 18: Burden of loan hurling up in a cash strapped country like Pakistan, has been slapped with a hefty fine of 170,000 euros. The fine was imposed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for not honouring the Pro League commitments. But, the cash-strapped PHF said it is in no position to pay the penalty.

 

The PHF confirmed that the FIH this week imposed a fine of 170,000 euros on Pakistan. It was confirmed at the last executive board meeting of the world body for not sending the Pakistan national team for the Pro League matches in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

While the condition of the country remains dull, the PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmed on Wednesday said that he has requested the FIH to reduce the fine and allow it to be paid in instalments.

The FIH however has not banned Pakistan. But the PHF secretary general said that they continue to lobby to at least allow them to pay the fines over instalments. The FIH, has given the PHF time until June 20 to pay the fine or else the penalty would be doubled.

The PHF has been under fire since the World Cup in India last December where the team finished at 11th position with the government also refusing to release any more funds for the game.

Just recently, the PHF was forced to postpone its National Hockey Championship in Karachi which was due to begin from April 20 for the same reason. Shahbaz is a member of the FIH Executive Board which is headed by India’s Narinder Batra. He had resigned after the World Cup debacle but when his resignation was not accepted by PHF President, Brigadier (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokar he returned to his post.