The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday cancelled the tri-nation tournament

after India and Malaysia decided to skip the event due to security reasons.

Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa said the

board was informed that the government in New Delhi had

blocked the visit. "It is very disappointing that India... has

refused to send their team, terming the current situation

not conducive for the tour," Bajwa told AFP

The tournament assumed significance as it would have been

the first visit in eight years by an Indian hockey team to

Pakistan. The three-nation competition was to take place

from April 9 to 13. 

"We had made top-level security arrangements for the event

and had thought that the event will give a new fillip to Indo-Pak

hockey as both countries are also (participating) in London Olympics

2012, but everything is spoiled," said Bajwa.