LAHORE, Jan 3: Eight Pakistani hockey players and one doctor left for Chandigarh, India via Wagah Border on Tuesday to take part in the Indian Premier Hockey League (PHL) to be held there from Jan 5 to Feb 1.

Those who left are Pakistan captain Mohammad Saqlain, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Adnan Zakir, Mudassar Ali Khan, Imran Warsi, Salman Akbar and Imran Khan Yousufzai.

Dr Waqar Salim is also accompanying the players. Saqlain said that hockey would be promoted after the start of the league both in Pakistan and India and the visit would also help the boys improve their game further before meeting India in the home and away series scheduled for next month.

He said that some junior players were also inducted for Chandigarh’s tour so that they could get international exposure. An umpire Hyder Rasool and coach Tahir Zaman will also leave for Chandigarh on Thursday.

The Indian Punjab Hockey Association’s officials welcomed Pakistani players at their side of the border.