Pak players in HIL to return home

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Hockey India has decided to send nine Pakistani players home amid growing sub-continental border tensions.

The players who are going back are: Fareed Ahmed, Imran Butt, Mahmood Rashid and Muhammad Tousiq (all Mumbai Magicians); Muhammad Rizwan Sr. and Muhammad Rizwan Jr. (Delhi Waveriders); Muhammad Irfan and Shafqat Rasool (Ranchi Rhinos); and Kashif Shah (Jaypee Punjab Warriors).

"The decision was made in consultation with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and International Hockey Federation (FIH)," HIL chairman Narinder Batra said.