ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) is all set to hit the country's stadiums next year with six franchises to participate in the inaugural edition.

Talking to APP, Shahbaz Ahmad Senior of PHF said the franchise-based league will be played from April 24, 2018 in four cities including Karachi, Lahore, Gojra and Faisalabad. "Each franchise would have three to four foreign players in the team," he said.

Shahbaz said players from Australia, Argentina and other foreign countries would be participating in the league.

"Besides providing financial support to us (PHF), the league will prove a landmark in regaining lost glory of the national game.

We are sure it will help rebuild our supremacy in the game internationally," he said.

Speaking about the team's chances in the Hockey Asia Cup to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 11, Shahbaz said he expects Pakistan team to reach the final of the mega event. "Asia Cup would give players exposure and confidence," he said.

He said next year the national team would also be sent on tours to Australia and Europe to prepare for the World Cup to be staged in India.

"During recent meetings with International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Narinder Batra in Dubai,

"we made it clear that Pakistan team should be given fool-proof security and easy visas processing for the World Cup," he said.

He said we will also apply for visas before time and would see that all formalities are fulfilled timely.—APP