PSL 8: Shaheen Afridi's Lahore Qalandars determined to revive hockey

KARACHI: Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars reached Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) ground to play their role in revival of hockey in Pakistan. 

In a bid to boost national game, Qalandars took an initiative to hold open trials in Karachi and Lahore. 

Shaheen and company reached KHA to watch the trials. Hundreds of kids appeared in the trials at KHA which began at 10am on Friday. 

Complete squad of Qalandars took a round of KHA and also met some of the players who took part in the trials. Meanwhile, fans took selfies with their favorite cricket heroes. 

Speaking to the media on this occasion, Qalandars' owner Atif Rana said he was overwhelmed to see the response of youngsters in trials. 

"We got response beyond our expectations," shared Atif. "After watching massive turnout for trials, we have increased number of days. Trials will be continued for next couple of days," he added. 

Atif said they will take care of hockey from now onwards in collaboration with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and provincial governments. 

"We did trials of more than 500,000 cricketers. Out of them, we found players like Haris Rauf, Shaheen and others," he shared.

"Similarly, we will find out talented players in hockey and groom them in high-class facilities. We will shortlist players from trials and send them to Germany, Holland or other countries where we see better opportunities for them," he mentioned. 

After the trials, Qalandars will host a hockey series between the teams of Karachi and Lahore. Shaheen will be the ambassador of Karachi whereas Haris will be in the camp of Lahore.