The inaugural Hockey India League will see at least fourteen Pakistani players including their star drag-flicker Sohail Abbas, says a report in The Hindu. The tournament will be played from Jan. 5 to Feb. 3, 2013.
These Pakistani players will be among the pool of about 80 overseas players for the HIL Players Auction to be held next month.
“We are delighted that the cream of Pakistan's Olympic Games squad has made itself available to play in the Hockey India League," Hockey India Secretary-General and HIL Chairman Narinder Batra said.
"We know that the Indian fans will love to watch these stars as part of the six teams that will vie for honours in the exciting tournament that will raise the profile of the sport," he added.
Sohail Abbas is the most prolific goal scorer in the history of the game with 349 goals, says a report in The DNA. He was also the captain of the Pakistani team that participated in London Olympics. 13 out of the 14 Pakistani players who have signed up were a part of the team for Olympics.
“Our players are excited to be among those considered for the league. “We are sure that the event will be a huge success, drawing the best talent from around the world”, said Muhammad Asif Bajwa, chairman of Pakistan Hockey Federation.