Former star Shahbaz Ahmed says the IPL snub on Pakistani cricketers should never affect hockey World Cup participation.

By Anshul Baijal

Bitter reactions from the Pakistan sports fraternity were not unexpected in the wake of the Indian Premier League’s reluctance to buy cricketers from across the border.

Interestingly enough, cricket has actually played a negative role as far as hockey World Cups are concerned. When Pakistan were scheduled to host the first hockey World Cup in 1971, the organizers invited the Indian team. Strangely, former Pakistan cricket captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar protested, saying Pakistan should not host India because the nations went to war five years ago.

Given the political tension between India and Pakistan, the international hockey federation moved the inaugural World Cup to Spain. Barcelona thus became the venue by default.

Four decades later, the IPL almost soured the hockey pitch. Even if political relations between India and Pakistan continue to be on the boil, hockey remains unaffected although another former Pakistani cricket captain, Zaheer Abbas, suggested that his country should boycott the upcoming hockey World Cup in New Delhi in the wake of the IPL snub.

Former hockey star Shahbaz Ahmed doesn’t agree with Abbas. Speaking to espnstar.com in an exclusive chat, the ‘Maradona” of hockey said: "I do not agree with Zaheer. If you don't send the hockey team, then not only will it affect our hockey but will also tarnish the image of the country."

Shahbaz added: "For a tournament like this, India and Pakistan should keep their rifts aside. You will be representing your nation in a World Cup and thus you must send your team. IPL has nothing to do with Pakistan’s participation"

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan face each other on Day 1 of the World Cup in Delhi on February 28. Shahbaz expects it to be a cracker of a game.

“It will be a sensational game. Both the teams will be under pressure and it could be anybody's game." Shahbaz, however, feels Pakistan have an edge but feels home conditions may turn the tide in India's favour.

"Pakistan have beaten India in the recent times and thus their confidence will be high, but with home support India can turn the tables," said Shahbaz.

India’s biggest challenge will be motivation. Given the recent problems with payment, India may just lose focus, fears Shahbaz.

"If your concentration is diverted then you cannot give 100 per cent on the field. The authorities must ensure the Indian players are in the right frame of mind before the championship starts,” suggested the Pakistani legend.