Full pay, no play

Hours after two right-wing protesters breached the security at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, all the nine Pakistan players, here for the Hockey India League, returned home. Hockey India and the five franchises made the joint decision on Tuesday.

“The killing and mutilation of Indian soldiers have become an emotional issue. It’s just not about one outfit protesting against Pakistan. We’re of the view that Pakistan should be sent back and be fully compensated as they are not at fault,” said a franchise owner requesting anonymity.

Calling the current situation “extraordinary”, HI secretary NK Batra said, “We kept the stakeholders, the franchises and Pakistan Hockey Federation in the loop during discussions. We took all on board before making this decision. All of them have approved of it. The contract money for 2013 will be paid in full to Pakistan and HI is committed to guarantee the same. The PHF and us have mutually decided to release the players, so that they do not feel the mental stress and their performance are not affected by these developments.”

DNA has learnt that it was indeed Batra’s decision to keep the PHF informed of all the developments. “By doing so and compensating the players, we will be able to win a lot of goodwill in the international circuit,” a senior HI official said.

Meanwhile, the franchises have been asked to look for Pakistan’s replacements. “They can select from the reserve pool within their allocated budget,” Batra said.

Mahmood Rashid ($41,000), Fareed Ahmed ($21,000), Muhammad Tousiq ($27,000) and Imran Butt ($5,500) of Mumbai Magicians; Mohammed Rizwan Sr. ($26,000) and Mohammad Rizwan Jr. ($10,000) of Delhi Waveriders; Kashif Shah ($9,500) of Punjab Warriors; and Muhammed Irfan ($5,000) and Shafqat Rasool ($10,000) of Ranchi Rhinos were the nine players on the HIL rolls.

Mumbai Magicians owner Amit Burman has reportedly declared that his team is in talks with Australian and New Zealand players to replace his four Pakistan imports.

Mumbai coach Ric Charlesworth expressed  unhappiness over the entire development. He wondered if the protests were similar to the apartheid era in South Africa.

“As a youth, I too had protested against the South African team because of their apartheid policy. Are these protests not similar to those, as you are opposing on the racial basis? How can a handful of people be allowed to run the country?” he asked on Monday. “It is very embarrassing for them. I would have felt the same had I been in their place. We were asked to pick the best team and that is what we did. Changing the team at this point is not a good idea for us.”