New Razak Cup dates clash with ACT -- so no national players

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee yesterday said it was an oversight, and have brought forward the Razak Cup one week before Deepavali,
  But now, the new dates of Oct 26-Nov 3 clash with the Oman Asian Champions Trophy and so, 26 national players will not play in the Cup.
  The ACT will be held in Oman on Oct 18-28.
  "When we sent out letters to states, stating that the Razak Cup would be held on Nov 3-11 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, it was an oversight as Deepavali is on Nov 6," said competitions committee manager Brian Fernandez.
  And when pointed out that the new dates clash with the ACT: "We are aware of that, but a decision was made earlier this year that national players will not play in local tournaments because of a hectic international schedule."
  But when Brian was asked when and who made the decision, he could not remember.
  After the MHC competitions committee sent out the invitation which clashed with Deepavali, Negri Sembilan HA were he first so reply that they will withdraw if the dates are not changed.
  And when Brian was asked about a code-of-conduct letter which the new committee members had to sigh, he said it was a normal procedure to make sure statements come from one source and do not conflict.
  The new committee, eight in all, are now not allowed to make statements to the Press.