The spike in the cost of eggs (up to 400 Pakistani rupees per dozen) in cash-strapped Pakistan was recently in the news. Now, their Hockey Federation has been left with egg on its face after not being invited to the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia due to financial reasons.

According to reports, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has not invited Pakistan, last year's runners-up, to the November event due to 'outstanding debt'. Hockey is Pakistan's national sport.

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A source in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) told news agency PTI that the 'debt' owed to the MHF resulted from "some bad decisions" made by a former official during the previous edition of the Azlan Shah Cup held last May.

Even as PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid rubbished the reports as rumours, he claimed the current administration was ready to cough up the amount if they were indeed true, to send the team to Malaysia.

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"We have not received any communication from the Malaysian Federation regarding this. Pakistan have friendly relations with the Malaysian Federation, and we hope the matter can be resolved soon," Mujahid told reporters.

Defending champions Japan are not participating this year due to prior commitments, but Olympic bronze medallists India are expected to attend after a six-year gap.

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The Azlan Shah Cup, held biennially, is named after a former king of Malaysia. The event was first held in 1983, and Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia, with India claiming third place.

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