Malaysia are likely to skip the Asian Champions Trophy due to the change of dates by the Asian Hockey Federation.
Initially the AHF had scheduled their Champions Trophy from 13-21 December but were forced to shift the dates after FIH had included India and Pakistan in the FIH Champions Trophy to be played in Melbourne.
This the Asian Champions Trophy that was to be played in Doha was moved to Dec 20-27, played over Christmas.
When asked about the possibility of Malaysia skipping the Asian Champions Trophy, newly appointed national coach Paul Revington did not discount the possibility but stopped short of confirming it.
"I believe the MHC will be discussing it at their Council meeting next week," said Revington when met after the World League match between Malaysia and Kazakhstan in Kuantan.
AHF Competitions Committee Secretary Mahadevan Devadass who was also in Kuantan said that they had communicated the new dates to their affiliates.
"So far only Korea has said that they will not be available whereas Pakistan and China have already confirmed their participation," said Mahadevan.
"To replace Korea, we have invited Bangladesh while Japan and India are expected to participate as well."
While Malaysia may have it's reasons why they want to skip the Asian Champions Trophy, they should not use Christmas as an excuse as they held the Sultan Johor Cup over Hari Raya Haji last year and will hold the same competition over Deepavali this year.
And the tournament surely can be used to expose fringe players as well as promising youngsters that Revington can judge for his future plans in the quest for World Cup Qualification.
