India seeks apology from Pakistan hockey players to resume series

IHF chairman Narendra Batra said Pakistani players had shown ‘obscene’ gestures towards the crowd and they should apologize for it.

He went on to say that no Pakistan-India hockey series could take place until the Pakistani players ‘say sorry’ for their act.

Batra said no Pakistani player will be called for Indian Hockey League.

The captain of Pakistan hockey team Muhammad Imran denied his players had committed any act beyond ethical limits. India is just making excuses to keep Pakistani players away from its league, he said.

I am not at all fond of playing in the Indian Hockey League, said the Pakistan team captain.

Pakistan had edged out hosts India 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final on December 14, 2014 to set up a Champions Trophy field hockey title clash against Olympic gold medallists Germany in Bhubaneswar, which Pakistan lost.

It may be noted here that Pakistan team coach Sheikh Shahnaz had sent an apology letter to the Indian Hockey Federation regarding the incident over Pakistan players’ celebrations that sparked controversy.