Sports Reporter :
Pakistan Hockey team didn’t take part in the Asia Cup. Bangladesh Hockey team participated in the Asia Cup Hockey recently. Bangladesh finished in sixth position in Asia Cup Hockey.
But according to the new system, Bangladesh have to play three-match best of series against Pakistan. Pakistan Hockey team are now staying in Dhaka to play the three-match best of series against Bangladesh. The winning team of three-match series will play in the World Cup Hockey Qualifiers. Captain of Bangladesh Rezaul Karim Babu will lead his team, while Captain of Pakistan Hockey team Ahammad Shakil Butt will lead his team.
The first match will be held today at Moulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium in the capital. The match will kick-off at 2:00pm.
Pakistan are stronger side. According to the latest FIH rankings, Bangladesh have taken 29th position, while Pakistan have taken 14th spot. Pakistan emerged the champions for four times in World Cup Hockey. In recent five matches, Bangladesh lost to Pakistan all the five games.
But this time Bangladesh will play in their home ground and in front of a large number of spectators, who will give their support team. Captain of Bangladesh Hockey team Rezaul Karim Babu said, “We all know the reality that Pakistan are better than us. So I have said before that we have nothing to lose here. But if we can try our best then we have a lot to gain. We have seven players from the Under-21 team in our team. If we can give our maximum effort, we can achieve a better result.”
Head Coach of Bangladesh Hockey team Siegfried Aikman expects that the three-match play of series will be attractive. Aikman said, ” It is a big challenge. But it is not easy. To earn win will be tough task for my boys. Pakistan are not only better, according to rating, But also there is a difference between Bangladesh and Pakistan as per strength. They played a lot of matches recently.”
Captain of Pakistan Hockey team Ahammad Shakil Butt, “I am highly delighted to be in Dhaka to play this three-match series against the Bangladesh. This is a crucial meet for both teams to qualify for the World Cup round.”
