In a reaction, Pakistan decided to cancel its hockey team’s tour to India for the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup competition to be held later on this month, citing “security risks for the players” as the cause for the cancellation.

The result, which was predictable after India scrapped its cricket team’s tour across the border in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, will further sprain the sporting ties involving the two countries.

Even though Pakistan Hockey Federation was eager to launch the national team to India, they left the last choice on the Foreign Office.

In view of the rising tensions between the two nations, Sports Minister Jillani said the government had decided not to launch the hockey team to India.

“There is a security risk in sending our players to India at this phase because of the atmosphere in India. So we have not given authorization to the PHF for the tour,” he said.

Amusingly, Jillani’s declaration came after the organizers of the competition had already named New Zealand as Pakistan’s substitution in the double-leg occasion that also features Beijing Olympic gold medalist Germany, the Netherlands and host India.

Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament, to be held in Chandigarh from January 31, had come below cloud after Indian government cancelled the cricket team’s tour to the trouble torn nation.

There was well-liked reaction among citizens and former players that since Indian government refused to launch their cricket team, Pakistani teams should also crumb their India tours in a disciplinary move…