FIH exploring possibility of Indo-Pak matches in Bangladesh

International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre Saturday said FIH is exploring the possibility of organising an India-Pakistan test series in Bangladesh since it wasn't possible to hold any matches between the neighbouring nations in the two countries in the prevailing tense political situation.

Negre said he would visit Bangladesh soon to explore such a possibility and also look for development of hockey in the country as well.

"Matches between India and Pakistan are good for the popularisation of the sport. It is important that both the teams should play matches as frequently as possible, Negre said here.

He said FIH is also considering holding the 2018 World Cup matches, scheduled to be held in India, in Bhubaneswar and Mohali to promote the game.

"There will be 16 teams participating in the World Cup. While Pool A matches, consisting eight teams will be playing at one venue, Pool B matches will be played at another venue. However, it is just a proposal and Hockey India will decide over it," he said.

The final decision regarding selection of venue will be taken Nov 15 next year but it has been agreed to hold two matches a day to popularise the sport in these two centres.

"The first and foremost aim of the FIH is to promote and popularise hockey throughout the world. The only away to reach the maximum audience is through broadcasting of the matches. Broadcasters say six league matches in a day is not ideal for telecasting. So, we are planning to organise the tournament in two different venues," he said.

Negre also said Indian hockey is rapidly developing and has a bright future. Talking about the change of rules with the advent of four 15-minute quarters replacing the two halves of 35-minutes each, he said the introduction of the new rules was done for the benefit of the sport of hockey.