Rasool asks Shakeel Abbasi to rejoin Asia Cup camp

KARACHI: Pakistan's forward Shakeel Abbasi has been asked to rejoin the ongoing training camp for the Asia Cup, after he was controversially expelled by hockey coach Akhtar Rasool from the camp for fasting, DawnNews reported on Friday.
Abbasi had been expelled from the camp due to breach of discipline as the team had been told not to fast because it affects players' health, form and fitness.
"If Abbasi wants to fast he should do it at home. This is a national camp and all players are required to focus on their training," Rasool had said.

However, Rasool said his comments had been taken out of context and his only concern was the player's health.

Abbasi also requested the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to avoid scheduling major tournaments around the month of Ramazan. He said that he had been fasting during Ramazan throughout his career and was positive that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will come up with a solution.

"I want to request FIH not to organise any major tournament during and around the month of Ramazan. Asia Cup is an important tournament and it is going to be held just after Ramazan where Muslim majority countries like Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh are playing," the Press Trust of India quoted Abbasi as saying.

The Asia Cup, a must-win event for Pakistan if the Greenshirts want to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, is scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from August 24.