PHF accuses Australia of ruining Champions Trophy

Lahore, Aug 6 (UNI) The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has lashed out at Hockey Australia, accusing them of 'unsportsmanlike behaviour' for indirectly persuading other participating nations to pull out of the December-slated Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

The Kookaburras' earlier pulled out of the six-nation tournament to be played in Pakistan from December 1-9 citing security concerns in the aftermath of the Lal Masjid bloodbath.

''No doubt Australia's ploy has been purely seen in the context of ruining an event that, undoubtedly, is of the highest quality after the Olympics and the World Cup,'' a PHF spokesman told media.

''Hockey Australia's decision was not only harmful to the world hockey, but their indirect move to persuade the other countries to stay away from coming to Pakistan was an unsportsmanlike and irresponsible act,'' he alleged.

He further informed that the PHF has assured 'full-proof' security to all the participating teams and apart from Australia, no other country has shown any intention of withdrawing from the tournament.

''The PHF has given every kind of assurances to all the participating teams about their security, therefore, till now no other team has given any intimation of withdrawing from the Champions Trophy,'' he said.

''World champions Germany have confirmed their participation while Spain, Holland, Korea haven't shown their intentions of not coming to Pakistan. Even New Zealand are keen to play in the competition if England, replacement to Australia, declines the invitation,'' he added.

The FIH had given all the participating nations August 3 as the deadline to accept Pakistan's invitation.

UNI