KARACHI: Fourteen Pakistan hockey players, including ace drag flicker Sohail Abbas, are set to participate in the inaugural auction for the Hockey India League starting from January 5 until February 3, 2013.

A day after the countries agreed to ease visa restrictions, Hockey India (HI) announced 14 Pakistani players would be among the pool of about 80 overseas players who would be auctioned among six teams 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 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.

“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 chairman of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa.