Gulf News

India has formally agreed to play against Pakistan in a four-nation tournament in Dubai.

Jyothikumaran, the secretary of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) has stated from Kuala Lumpur that "we might play against Pakistan in a four-nation tournament in December to be staged in Dubai, the logistics of which are being sorted out."

Jyothikumaran is in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Asian Hockey Federation meeting. He referred to playing in Dubai after revealing that India may skip playing in the Azlan Shah tournament owing to their commitment to the Dutch team to play five Tests in India during January.

Jyothikumaran's statement has boosted the spirits of the rejuvenated UAE Hockey Committee (UAE HC) but can they make this event happen?

Two years ago, India and Pakistan had agreed to play in Dubai but the plan was abruptly dropped following the Indian government's decision not to have sporting ties against Pakistan.

Raza Abidi, the chief coordinator of the UAE HC, commented yesterday: "The Pakistan Hockey Federation too have agreed to play here and we are in the process of finalising their terms and conditions."

Abidi also revealed that Malaysia would be the third country. "We approached Germany but they are not be available so most likely South Africa or Wales will take their place as the fourth team."

Jyothikumaran has made it clear that India will play against Pakistan in a three or four nation tournament only. "One to one matches against Pakistan are not on for now. We have to wait for government's clearance for bilateral series."

Meanwhile, the UAE HC has been given the go-ahead from the UAE Olympic Committee UAE HC to repair the astroturf at the CMC stadium.

The work will commence on Monday with the arrival of astroturf expert Steib Wulf from Germany.

Now that the teams are ready to play in Dubai, it will be a race against time for the UAE HC to find sponsors and raise the funds for staging such an event.

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