Rehan to lead Chandigarh, Brasa for Chennai

Uthra G Chaturvedi

The World Series Hockey on Saturday announced the captains and coaches for their eight teams, and if one goes by the list, the players are not intimidated by the threats of a ban issued by FIH and Hockey India.

The list has all the players initially named to lead the franchises — including Pakistan striker Rehan Butt, who had earlier withdrawn under pressure from the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

“I will be playing in the WSH. Everyone realises that as long as we do not compromise with our jobs or national duty, we are within our rights to earn a living,” Rehan told The Sunday Express.

Besides, Indian stars Arjun Halappa, Sardar Singh and Adrian D’Souza have also been confirmed as captains. “We have got confirmations from almost all the players who have signed with us,” said Karl D’costa, deputy general manager of Nimbus Sports.

Team sources have confirmed that most of the current Indian players have committed to participating in the league. But with Hockey India deciding to hold camp for the Olympic qualifiers in Delhi from December 11, it will be interesting to see how many of them are able to participate.

Sources confirmed that former skipper Shakeel Abbasi has also confirmed participation. And Argentine playmaker Lucas Vila, whose participation was doubtful, given that he had recently been part of the national squad at the Pan-Am Games, has also agreed.