Sohail Abbas keen to produce good results

"I am delighted to get the honour of leading Pakistan. Obviously, my aim is to get good results in the upcoming events so that I can continue (as the captain) for the Olympics as well," said Abbas.

The PHF and national selectors chose to ignore the rebel senior players, who had gone to India for the World Series Hockey (WSH), while announcing a new look squad for the two tournaments.

"Those players would be considered only for national selection once the disciplinary committee considers their cases and clears them," a PHF official said.

Seniors like Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Waseem Ahmed and Imran Wasti, who can be considered for selection for the Olympics, had gone to play in the WSH, which is not recognised by the PHF or the FIH.

After returning home, the rebel players had appeared before the PHF disciplinary committee but the question still remains whether the the Federation would allow them to play for Pakistan again.

"Basically the PHF and its selectors will see how the results go in Malaysia and in Europe and then take a decision on whether these seniors are required for the Olympics," a former Olympian said. (MORE)