AI put brakes on WSH ambitions of its players

Aby Jose

BANGALORE: In what could be a major roadblock to conduct of the much-hyped World Series Hockey (WSH), some of the major public sector employers in the sport haven’t given the green signal for their players to participate in the cash-rich tournament.

As per the contract offered by WSH, a joint initiative of a television network and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), a no objection certificate (NOC) from the employers is a must for a player to sign up for the event scheduled in the latter half of this year.

Air India and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) are among the teams which haven’t decided whether to allow their players, who easily form the cream of Indian hockey, to figure in WSH. The number of employers could go up with Railways, Services and other petroleum firms too likely to think on similar lines.

Apparently, the employers are caught in a cleft stick as WSH is sanctioned by IHF and the rival body, the Indian Olympic Association-recognized Hockey India, understandably is not happy about this development.

Air India, according to sources, have decided to stay away from the controversial battle for power in Indian hockey as the matter is sub judice. Hence, the premier air-carrier has demanded an explanation from their players who have agreed to ink deals with WSH. At least two of these players are current members of the national team.

On the other hand, it is learnt that IOCL is yet to take a call whether the WSH needs to be entertained and a decision will be taken early next month. As for BPCL, the organisation reportedly knows that some of its top players are in the WSG bracket but according to sources, none of them have approached the company yet seeking NOC.

A player who was at the launch of WSH said that even the organisers acknowledged that the players are bound by the rules of their employers. “We were paid signing amounts and handed out contracts but were told that if our employers did not agree to our participation in WSH we could always pull out,” a player told TOI on condition of anonymity.