ISLAMABAD, Aug 12: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is confident it will be able to attract at least six of the top Indian players including captain Dilip Tirkey to feature in the Super Hockey League next month.

Dawn was told on Friday that negotiations were on with the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to send their leading players to play in the inaugural league that kicks off in Karachi on Sept 8.

Besides Tirkey, others who are expected to be on show in the league that is being held on the pattern of India’s Premier Hockey League, are vice captain Viren Resquina, forwards Gagan Ajit Singh and Arjun Hallapa, ace penalty corner striker Sandeep Singh and goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza.

The PHF had also wanted to have dribble king Dhanraj Pillay whose silky skills have always been a treat to watch, but his appearance seems unlikely.

All matches in the Pakistan league are to be played under lights with teams competing under such names as Sindh Qalanders and Shan-e-Punjab.