Pakistan Hockey Federation PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa says hockey players participating in World Hockey Series (WHS) in India would face a ban in Pakistan. He said the reason behind this ban was that International Hockey Federation FIH, in a letter, said WSH was not affiliated with the federation, thus making the league ‘unsanctioned. “I have no knowledge regarding the players playing the series,” he added.

Defying PHF's directive, top players left for India on Wednesday to play in the unsanctioned but lucrative WHS. “We have decided to take part in World Series Hockey after much thought because it is the future of our families that we have to put first,” Rehan Butt said before leaving for India where he will lead Chandigarh franchise in USD2 million WSH that begins in Chandigarh later on Wednesday night.

Besides, Rehan & Shakeel, other Pakistani players who have decided to play in the league include seniors Zeeshan Ashraf, Mohammad Imran, Waseem Ahmed & Imran Warsi.