Three-match series proposed as Pakistan seeks hockey revival with India-DAWN NEWS

Pakistan have lost to India in their last two meetings, at the 2010 Asian Games and the Hockey World Cup. —File photo by AP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) top officials met Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday, to discuss the modalities of a proposed bilateral hockey series between India and Pakistan.
“We are considering a three-match friendly hockey series between the two countries in order to revive sporting ties with our neighbours,” Malik told reporters after a meeting with PHF officials.
The matches are likely to be played in Lahore, while fool-proof security arrangements will be made for the visiting Indian team.
“I have directed the Interior Secretary Qamaruzzaman Chaudhry to ensure the best-possible security arrangements are in place,” Malik said.
The interior minister said he would invite his Indian counterpart, Home Minister Palaniappam Chidambaram to watch one of the matches in Pakistan.
Following the meeting, conflicting reports emerged that the interior minister has been appointed the Patron-in-chief and president of the PHF. However, Dawn.com was unable to confirm the news as PHF officials remained unavailable to speak to the media.
Malik was directed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to take up the initiative of reviving hockey ties with India, after the PM returned from India.
Gilani was invited by the Indian PM Manmohan Singh to watch Pakistan’s World Cup semi-final against India in Mohali.
Talks resumed between Pakistani and Indian cricket officials after the PM’s visit and the two countries’ cricket boards may plan a bilateral series in the near future.
Pakistan last played a hockey match against India during the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, a match Pakistan lost 3-2.