Hockey: Abbas, others to feature in Indian league

PHF allows 14 players to sign up for the event.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has permitted 14 players, including drag-flick specialist Sohail Abbas, to sign up for the inaugural Hockey India League (HIL) scheduled for next year.

The event is being planned by Hockey India and will be affiliated with the International Hockey Federation (FIH). According to information made available, 14 players, including 13 which featured in the Olympics, have signed up to play the event.

Abbas, the world’s leading scorer, has been dubbed as the star signing of the tournament, which will be played from January 5 to February 3. A total of 80 overseas players will be up for grabs for six franchises in the auction next month. The HIL chairman Narinder Batra expressed delight on the presence of Pakistani players in the league.

“We know that the Indian fans will love to watch these stars,” said Batra.

Meanwhile, PHF President Qasim Zia and secretary Asif Bajwa were also happy with Pakistan’s participation.

“Our players are excited for the event,” said Bajwa. “We are sure that it will be a huge success, drawing the best talent from around the world.”

Pakistani players set to participate in the league include Imran Shah, Imran Butt, Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Abbas, Mohammad Imran, Syed Kashif Shah, Mohammad Rizwan Jr., Fareed Ahmed, Rashid Mehmood, Mohammad Tousiq, Mohammad Rizwan Sr., Shafqat Rasool, Waqas Mohammad and Ali Shan.

Meanwhile, the penalty-corner specialist Abbas said that he was yet to sign the contract.

“I’ve been offered the contract and I’m considering it, but I haven’t signed it yet,” said Abbas. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2012.