Pak Players Must Apologize if They Want To Play HIL, Says Batra

14 September, New Delhi

Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra Monday said no Pakistani player will participate in the upcoming Hockey Indian League (HIL) until they apologize for their indecent behaviour after winning champion trophy in Bhubneshwar last year. “They have to first apologize and until they do that, they can’t play in the Hockey India League,” said Batra.

Pakistan players, earlier, took their shirts off and ran towards the stands and Indian players making lewd remarks with obscene gestures after their 4-3 win in the Champions Trophy last year.

Batra further said even the current political tussle between the two nations is also one of the reasons for not inviting the Pakistani players in India.

“The political situation is also not in favour of letting Pakistan players play,” added Batra.

The six franchises will bid for players from India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US, England, South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Scotland, Malaysia, Japan and Korea on Thursday.