On Friday, a major decision was taken by Pakistan under which it decided not to send its hockey and squash teams to India citing security concerns for the players.

The Pakistan hockey team was to participate in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup, scheduled to start in Chandigarh from January 31, while the squash team was to defend its Asian Junior title in Chennai, which was supposed to start from January 16.

But after Pakistan was replaced by New Zealand in the double-leg tournament that also features Beijing Olympic gold medallist Germany, the Netherlands besides hosts India, it took the decision to cancel the hockey team's trip.

Pakistan sports minister Aftab Shah Jillani reported, “The hockey and squash federations had applied for clearance to travel to India which we have not given as we have security concerns for our sportsmen and women in India. He further said that due to the present tensions between the two nations, the ministry thought it prudent not to send the teams to India.  He added, “Until the relations and conditions improve between the two countries we don't think it is wise to send our teams there. There are security threats.”

But it was also specified by the sports secretary Ashraf Khan that the decision does not mean out that Pakistan has suspended sporting ties with India.

Khan concluded, “I wouldn't say we have suspended sporting ties with India. We are willing to play India in any sport at a neutral venue.”