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LAHORE: A major crisis was brewing up in Pakistan hockey on Thursday after it was learnt that as many as twelve national players have either signed contracts or consented to play in the controversial World Series Hockey League which commences in New Delhi, India from Dec 17.
The list of players reportedly include former captains Zeeshan Ashraf and Adnan Maqsood who left for India on Thursday.
Sources close to Zeeshan informed Dawn that the ex-skipper had named various players who could join the cash-rich league pretty soon.
They include goalkeeper Salman Akbar, Shakeel Abbasi, Waseem Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Mohammad Zubair, Rehan Butt, Shafqat Rasool, Imran Warsi and Tariq Aziz.
It may be mentioned here that despite having a good international experience, many players from the Pakistan team have no permanent jobs with their respective departments.
It is learnt that Rehan Butt had signed a contract with the league worth US$22,000, besides getting other perks and benefits.
The final list of those players who are ready to join the league will be finalized after the ongoing Champions Trophy which concludes on Dec 11 in Auckland.
In case the above mentioned players join the controversial Indian league, the PHF's hopes of fielding a strong side in the Olympics Games 2012 will be definitely dashed.
PHF secretary Asif Bajwa reiterated on Thursday that all players joining the World Series Hockey will be banned.
He said players like Shakeel Abbasi, Rehan Butt and Waseem Ahmad had assured in writing to the PHF that they will not be joining the league without the federation's permission.
He said the players were being paid handsomely as the federation had given them central contract.
About not having permanent jobs, he said most of them who were willing to join the league including Rehan Butt had permanent jobs.
