New FIH president Tayyab Ikram has hinted that he would be open for a return to a Champions Trophy-style format but said that the Pro League was still in its infancy and needed time to develop.
Ikram, Pakistani born but now a Macau citizen, replaced Narinder Batra in the FIH hotseat following a majority Congress vote on Saturday.
“I’m not here to defend 100 per cent what we are doing… we have to explore the full potential of Pro League,” he told reporters.
“I am a very big fan of a Champions trophy. The Asian Champions Trophgy is a big, positive thing and India v Pakistan gives us big miles.
“I have to discuss if there is a way to bring it back or a modification.”
Saying that Hockey 5s “will be one of our priorities”, Ikram said that adding more tournaments to an already cluttered calendar would be up for discussion to avoid backbiting from clubs.
“Ikram said: “That is something we need to address. I have my suggestions on that. Club hockey is going on in some regions but not in all regions.
“We have to assess a few things. If this is club hockey, it is an opportunity for our players. But it is not spread around and therefore opportunities are limited. so, we have to assess all these issues before taking a decision.”
Ikram also revealed that understanding the sport better and ways to tackle issues such as long video reviews and other technicalities holding back the sport would also be discussed.
“That is an area to improve I must say,” he said. “From an outsider, it is somethimes difficult [to follow].”
