New Delhi: Pakistani players might be seen in action in the second edition of Hockey India League (HIL) if the diplomatic relation between two of the countries gets better. Second edition of HIL will start from January 23 to February 23 next year. If sources are to be believed, the chances of their playing are very bright this time.

As much as nine players were signed from across the border for the inaugural edition of HIL and since their contracts are very much valid for three years, there is no reason why they can’t participate in HIL-2. In addition to this, Hockey India has demanded No Objection Certificate from all national federations, including Pakistan, for their players by October 31 and it’s good three months till that deadline ends.

Pakistani players who missed out in the first edition were Mahmood Rashid, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Tousiq, Imran Butt (Mumbai Magicians), Mohammed Rizwan Sr. and Mohammad Rizwan Jr. (Delhi Waveriders), Kashif Shah (Jaypee Punjab Warriors) and Muhammed Irfan and Shafqat Rasool (Ranchi Rhinos).

They were barred because of the tension that was going around at the Indo-Pak border over the killing of Indian soldiers which was followed up by protests by certain organisations which ultimately led to departure of all the Pakistani players without playing a single match.