LAHORE The Pakistan Hockey Federation has taken two steps back after taking one step forward by giving central contracts to oldies for the next year. The PHF included all the senior players who were dropped from the Pakistan team set to taking part in the Azlan Shah Cup being held in Malaysia. The central contract, which should be based on performance and fitness, was handed over to those players who were part of the squad that ended at rock bottom in the World Cup a few months earlier. The PHF took the right decision by dropping the seniors from the Azlan Shah Cup. But one is intrigued to ask why have they brought the oldies back again. According to PHF secretary Asif Bajwa, who himself has become the most controversial figure in the PHFs history, said that the seniors were not dropped but were rested. "The doors were not closed for the senior players." They were not picked for the Azlan Shah Cup because they are being given rest, he added. They will be called for the camp after the Azlan Shah tournament, he added. He also pointed out that the seniors have to prove their fitness and for the time being the youngsters are being given a chance to show their abilities and consolidate their place in the senior team. The PHF has given contract in three categories - A, B and C - with the ratio of Rs 50,000, 40,000 and 25,000 respectively.