NEW DELHI, May 25: The US women’s field hockey squad pulled out of their World Cup play-off series against India on Saturday, citing security concerns amid heightened tensions and fears of war between India and Pakistan.

The US squad had arrived earlier this week for a three-game series which was scheduled to be held in the first week of June.

But they have decided to return home after the US State Department urged Americans to avoid travelling to India and Pakistan.

“Yes. We’re leaving tonight,” Tracy Belbin, the team’s coach told Reuters late on Saturday.

“Obviously the team’s safety is our priority. “It’s (the situation) just black and white. The main concern was the safety of the players,” she said as the squad prepared to leave their hotel for the airport.

It was the second time the US squad has withdrawn from a qualifying event for the World Cup that is scheduled to be held in Perth, Australia in November.

The team pulled out of the qualifiers in France held shortly after the September 11 attacks in the United States last year.

—Reuters