Hockey India has dropped three players, including veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, from the list of probables for the upcoming FIH Pro League season due to disciplinary issues during the team’s tour of South Africa in December.
Why were three players, including Manpreet Singh, banned?
According to sources, a serious case of indiscipline came to light during the tour, leading to the exclusion of Manpreet, Dilpreet Singh, and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak. A fourth player was also reportedly involved, though their name has not been disclosed. The players later apologised for giving a teammate a banned substance, but Hockey India decided to keep them out of the upcoming camp.
"A serious case of indiscipline came to light during the South Africa tour, also involving a fourth player whose name has not been disclosed. The players later apologised for giving their teammate a banned substance, but the decision to exclude them from the upcoming camp was announced during a team meeting," a team source said as quoted by PTI.
India toured South Africa from December 2 to 16 for a three-Test series, which they lost 2-0, with the third match ending in a draw.
India announced list of probables
The list of probables, announced on Thursday, raised eyebrows due to the absence of former captain Manpreet. The Pro League season will start next month in Rourkela, with the India leg scheduled from February 10 to 15. India will face Argentina in their opening match on February 11.
Manpreet, 33, has been a key figure in Indian hockey for years. He co-captained the Ranchi Royals to the Hockey India League final and has been part of two Olympic bronze medal-winning teams. This is the first time in 15 years that he has not been named in a camp. He is just one match away from becoming India’s joint-most capped player with 412 appearances, a record currently held by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.