Pakistan unlikely to host Champions Trophy

Pakistan are unlikely to host the Champions Trophy men's hockey tournament in November following security fears being expressed by participating teams after last Tuesday's terror strikes in the United States.

The tournament is scheduled to be held at Lahore, from November 3 to 11. But Sardar Khan, the Pakistan Hockey Federation's representative on the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) communication committee, said it will "not be viable" for his country to host the tournament because of "fears of security in the region".

He added: "The FIH has given a September 28 deadline to host the event or it will be cancelled."

However, Pakistan Hockey Federation president Lt General, Muhammad Aziz Khan says the tournament will be held as scheduled.

"At the moment PHF does not see any possible change or postponement of the event and we are quite confident to stage it at its given time," he said.

Meanwhile, the FIH cancelled an Umpires Managers' Seminar in Pakistan by Peter von Reth of The Netherlands which was scheduled for Saturday.

Peter Cohen, FIH honorary secretary general, commented, "We very much regret this situation, which is obviously out of the control of the FIH, the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the participating countries. Whilst our preference would be to continue with the existing arrangements, the safety of the participating teams is of paramount importance and we must examine whatever alternatives are still possible."

In the event of a change in venue, Olympic and World champions Holland are favourites to host the tournament, which includes Olympic silver medallists South Korea, Australia, England and European champions Germany.