Pakistani Hockey Federation (PHF) Seeking Security Clearance From Government to Go-ahead for Hockey World Cup in India Next Month

Authorities from Pakistani Hockey Federation (PHF) have wanted government security clearance to participate in next month's World Cup in India, in the midst of tense sporting affairs between the neighbours.

Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) secretary Asif Bajwa says the government approval is necessary because they sense security concerns in India during the next month’s mega event.

Tensions between the two countries have risen after last week's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended without any Pakistani cricketers being selected for the competition.

Following the clash, several former hockey players asked the team should boycott the hockey World Cup, but Pakistan's sports minister Ijaz Jakhrani says it's a global event and the national team will surely participate.

The four-time world and three-time Olympic champions have not won any major hockey title since their World Cup win in Australia in 1994.