Pakistan hockey stars to play in World Hockey Series

Defying Pakistan Hockey Federation's directive, top players of Pakistan has reached India on Wednesday to play in the unsanctioned but lucrative World Hockey Series.

Top players Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi, who were named in the probables list for the London Olympics camp that begins from Wednesday in Islamabad, have obtained visas to travel to India.

"We have decided to take part in the World Series Hockey after much thought because it is the future of our families that we have to put first," Butt said.

The senior forward is to lead the Chandigarh franchise in the USD 2 million WSH that begins in Chandigarh.

Besides, Rehan and Shakeel, other Pakistani players who have decided to play in the league include seniors Zeeshan Ashraf, Mohammad Imran, Waseem Ahmed and Imran Warsi.

Butt, who was a member of Pakistan's Beijing Asian Games gold medal-winning team, said playing for the country always comes first for him, but WSH offers hockey players an opportunity to strengthen their financial stability.

Butt requested the PHF to reconsider its decision of not allowing players to participate in the month-long league to be be held in different cities of India.

"Look this is the most we can earn in our long careers and I think we deserve this chance because we have to keep in mind the welfare of our family," Butt said.