The protesters had demanded dismissal of Pakistani players from HIL. However, defending the players from the neighbouring country, the brand ambassador of tournament, Navjot Singh Sidhu, asserted, "Any player or artist who comes from across the border can only fill hearts with love."
The first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) styled league was held between Delhi Waveriders and Jaypee Punjab Warriors on Monday in the national capital. Shouting anti-Pakistan slogans, a group of protesters went onto the playing area that is strictly prohibited. However, they were immediately overpowered by the security guards.
After Shiv Sena protests in Mumbai forced the team to shift training base to Delhi, Hockey India decided to play safe and send the team's Pakistani signings back.
"Fearing escalation of tension, the Hockey India's Governing Council has taken the decision to send back the four Pakistani players in the Mumbai team," a top Hockey India official said.
Tension between neighbouring countries escalated after two Indian jawans were brutally killed and their bodies subjected to inhuman mutilation by Pakistani soldiers in Poonch area. Indian establishment has expressed strong protests against the inhumane killings of its jawans.
OneIndia News
(With PTI inputs)