Hockey players face WSH ban

PHF warns of participation in Indian league.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to impose a ban of five years on players and officials who take part in the World Series Hockey (WSH), an unsanctioned league that was due to kick-off this month.

The PHF, during an executive board meeting at the National Hockey Stadium Lahore, warned all Pakistan players of the consequences they faced if they took part in the league that has now been postponed due to unavailability of Indian players. The WSH has not been sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation. Former captain Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi were two of the few that were reported to be in contact with league officials.

Meanwhile, prizes for the best hockey players of the year were also announced during the meeting. Nur Khan Trophy and a Rs 100,000 reward were announced for the best player while Brigadier Atif Trophy along with Rs 50,000 will be given to the best junior player.

The federation also decided to form finance, disciplinary and competition committees in order to improve the workings of the PHF.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2011.