Pakistan: United Bank not to play trophy opener (16 Oct 1997)

16 October 1997

United Bank not to play trophy opener

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Oct 15: Defending champions of the Patron's Trophy United Bank has pulled out its cricket team from the forthcoming Patron's Trophy following the sacking of its 12 cricketers.

According to informed sources, The Management has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that United Bank will not be playing its opening round match against Allied Bank which was to start from Feb 17. However, the bank has kept its options open for participating in the remaining matches provided the management reversed its harsh decision. Seven outstation cricketers, who were lodged in a local hotel, were released and sent home.

After the termination of services of 12 cricketers, United Bank were left with Mansoor Akhtar, Ali Gohar, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Husain, Salim Elahi, Ali Sheikh, Saifullah, Wasim Yousufi and Kashif Ahmad. In another development, United Bank has cancelled its ongoing hockey camp which was being held for the National Championship. United Bank were to play its qualifying rounds in Quetta. The event starts from Oct 30.

Four hockey players were also fired, including Mohammad Wasim who is in Adelaide for the Champions Trophy. The UBL team is now left with 10 players.

The bank sports organisers have not informed the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) about the sacked players as they are hoping that the four will be reemployed and the establishment would be able to take part in the prestigious tournament.

Source:: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)