The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a prestigious annual event on the international hockey calendar, is scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from November 22 to 29
Representational Image (Pic: AFP)
The Malaysian Hockey Federation has withheld an invitation to Pakistan for the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, citing outstanding dues amounting to USD 10,349 (Rs 8,83,859) owed to the Johor Hockey Association. The decision comes in the wake of a financial dispute stemming from Pakistan's tour to Malaysia for the Johor Hockey Cup in October 2023.
News agency PTI reported, the Johor Hockey Association has issued a stern official letter demanding payment for accommodation, travel, and other expenses incurred by PHF officials and their accompanying family members during the tour, according to a source within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The Pakistan national team had traveled to Malaysia to participate in the Johor Hockey Cup, and several PHF officials, including the former president, joined the delegation, bringing their families along.
“While the team's stay and expenses were to be borne by the organisers, the PHF officials which included the former President were told clearly they would have to clear all expenses themselves. These officials also stayed at the same luxury hotel where the teams were staying,” the source disclosed.
The Johor Hockey Association has since escalated the matter, notifying the Malaysian Hockey Federation and warning that the issue will be taken up with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) should the dues remain unpaid. The unpaid amount is believed to cover a variety of costs incurred during the former officials' unofficial visit, which was not sanctioned for funding under the tour agreement.
“The current PHF President and his team are in a fix because the federation is already cash strapped and they were not aware of these expenses by former PHF officials,” the source added, suggesting the current leadership had inherited the issue without prior knowledge of the financial commitments made during the previous administration.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a prestigious annual event on the international hockey calendar, is scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from November 22 to 29. The absence of an invitation to Pakistan, a regular participant in the tournament, marks a significant setback for the nation's hockey ambitions.
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