World Series Hockey#Franchises

{{Main|2012 World Series Hockey}}

The inaugural season of WSH was to take place from 17 December 2011 to 22 January 2012, but later was postponed owing to Olympic qualifiers.{{cite news|title=World Series Hockey postponed to February 29|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/world-series-hockey-postponed-to-march-sources-182303|access-date=12 December 2011|newspaper=NDTV|date=12 December 2011|archive-date=8 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108082137/http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/world-series-hockey-postponed-to-march-sources-182303|url-status=live}} It kicked off on 29 February amidst confusion and controversies when the Indian players opted out of the tournament and FIH, HI and PHF warned players looking to participate in the WSH that they will be suspended from international matches as the event was unsanctioned.

A total of 59 matches were played in 34 days. The top four teams in the league phase advanced to the semi-finals followed by the final which was played in Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Mumbai. Sher-e-Punjab defeated Pune Strykers 5 – 2 to become the champions of the first WSH.

{{Main|2012-13 World Series Hockey}}

The second season of World Series Hockey was supposed to be played from 15 December 2012 to 20 January 2013.{{cite news|title=World Series Hockey season 2 from December 15|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/hockey/item/196173-world-series-hockey-season-2-from-december-15|access-date=6 September 2012|newspaper=NDTV|date=7 September 2012|archive-date=30 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130003626/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/hockey/item/196173-world-series-hockey-season-2-from-december-15|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=World Series Hockey from December 15|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-07/top-stories/33678130_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-hockey-federation-and-nimbus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202143108/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-07/top-stories/33678130_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-hockey-federation-and-nimbus|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2014|access-date=7 September 2012|newspaper=The Times of India|date=7 September 2012}}{{cite news|title=World Series Hockey season 2 to commence on Dec 15|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/world-series-hockey-season-2-to-commence-on-dec-15/20120906.htm|access-date=7 September 2012|newspaper=Rediff|date=7 September 2012|archive-date=14 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014065515/http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/world-series-hockey-season-2-to-commence-on-dec-15/20120906.htm|url-status=live}}

The event was played according to the traditional hockey rules, apart from a few variations. All the matches were of 70 minutes, but instead of two-halves, the games are divided into four-quarters of 17-and-a-half minutes, to give more rest to players, and provide opportunities to sponsors and advertisers. Each team could have a maximum of 25 registered players, out of which 18 played. Time-outs (2 minutes) could be called once in each half. There were video umpires in all games. In the event that the referral is upheld, the referring team would retain its right.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/world-series-hockey-national-stadium-host-opening-match/20111112.htm |title=World Series of Hockey: National Stadium to host opening match |work=Rediff.com |date=12 November 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=18 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118100907/http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/world-series-hockey-national-stadium-host-opening-match/20111112.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.worldserieshockey.com/pdf/WSH%20-%20League%20Regulations.pdf |title=Regulation of World Series Hockey |publisher=World Series Hockey |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502052252/http://worldserieshockey.com/pdf/WSH%20-%20League%20Regulations.pdf |url-status=live }} A penalty stroke was awarded in case of an intentional foul. The shoot-outs are used only in the knockout stage.

Each team played the other twice; home and away. Top four teams qualify for the semi-finals. If at the end of the league phase two or more teams have the same number of points, these teams will be ranked according to the following criteria:

1. Respective number of matches won
2. Higher number of wins
3. Goal difference
4. Number of goals scored
5. Head to head record
6. Shoot‐out competition

The four teams with the best record after the league phase qualify for the playoffs. The winners of each playoff semis qualifies for the final.

{{Main|List of World Series Hockey players}}

Each team could have a maximum of 25 registered players. The tournament included Pakistani superstar and legend Waseem Ahmad along with seven other Pakistani players. The players were finalized on 28 November and 10 February based on the draft system.{{cite web |url=http://thefansofhockey.com/2011/11/28/dhanraj-to-represent-karnataka-in-wsh-final-teams/ |title=Dhanraj to represent Karnataka in WSH: Final Teams |publisher=The Fans of Hockey |date=28 November 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=4 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204033518/http://thefansofhockey.com/2011/11/28/dhanraj-to-represent-karnataka-in-wsh-final-teams/ |url-status=live }} The captains of eight teams were announced at a media conference and the list includes four Indian players and four foreign players. WSH signed on eight world-renowned coaches to take charge of the teams.{{cite web |url=http://thefansofhockey.com/2011/10/05/know-the-coaches-for-world-series-hockey/#.Tqgmz5tV1yU |title=Know the Coaches for World Series Hockey |publisher=The Fans of Hockey |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=7 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207123824/http://thefansofhockey.com/2011/10/05/know-the-coaches-for-world-series-hockey/#.Tqgmz5tV1yU |url-status=live }}

Trophy of Bridgestone World Series Hockey comprised a large cup with two hockey sticks on either sides. The trophy was unveiled by actor Saif Ali Khan, Viren Rasquinha, Prabhjot Singh, Arjun Halappa and Rajpal Singh at a press conference in Mumbai.{{cite news| url=http://www.worldserieshockey.com/Khan-Hockey-Stars.aspx| work=World Series Hockey| title=Saif Ali Khan and Hockey Stars unveil Bridgestone World Series Hockey Trophy| access-date=3 April 2012| archive-date=5 May 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505094759/http://worldserieshockey.com/Khan-Hockey-Stars.aspx| url-status=live}}

Tyre manufacturers Bridgestone became the title sponsors of World Series Hockey for the inaugural season. Other major sponsors of the league included Vodafone and Seagram's Imperial Blue.{{cite news| url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/vodafone-seagrams-imperial-blue-join-wsh-a/918842/| work=The Indian Express| title=Vodafone, Seagram's Imperial Blue join WSH as sponsors| access-date=3 April 2012| archive-date=6 May 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506074524/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/vodafone-seagrams-imperial-blue-join-wsh-as-sponsors/| url-status=live}}

The prize money for WSH was at the time the highest prize money for any hockey event in the

world, 30 times more than the Euro Hockey League. The total prize money was excess of 100 million Indian rupees.

If an Indian player becomes WSH Rockstar, the prize for the Indian Superstar will be awarded to the next best Indian player. All WSH franchises have committed to share a minimum of 50% of their team winnings with the players.{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-19/hockey/30419168_1_prize-money-world-series-hockey-hockey-players |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185715/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-19/hockey/30419168_1_prize-money-world-series-hockey-hockey-players |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2014 |title=World Series Hockey champions to get Rs 4 crore as prize money |work=The Times of India |date=19 November 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011}}

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty is appointed as the brand ambassador for the World Series Hockey.{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Suniel-Shetty-is-brand-ambassador-of-World-Series-Hockey/articleshow/11928603.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Suniel Shetty is brand ambassador of World Series Hockey | access-date=18 February 2012 | archive-date=19 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219075953/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Suniel-Shetty-is-brand-ambassador-of-World-Series-Hockey/articleshow/11928603.cms | url-status=live }}

The top goal scorer of the league is awarded with golden stick and a prize money of {{INR}} 2.5 million ({{USD}} 25,000). Apart from this, {{INR}} 5,000 is given to the players for the goal of the match. Champion team Sher-e-Punjab holds the record for most goals scored (54 in 16 matches). Delhi Wizards and Bhopal Badshahs have conceded the fewest goals (37 in 14 matches).

The highest-scoring matches to date in the World Series Hockey occurred twice: Pune Strykers beat Mumbai Marines and Delhi defeated Punjab. Both the matches ended up 7–5. Out of Pune's 7 goals, 5 were scored by Gurpreet Singh, which is also the most goals scored in a WSH match by an individual.

The technical committee for World Series Hockey included Dennis Meredith, former Indian coach Joaquim Carvolho, former captain and one of the best goalkeepers of India Ashish Ballal, former chairman of the International Hockey Federation umpiring committee Peter Von Reth, M.P. Ganesh, Shahbaz Ahmed and Zafar Iqbal.{{cite web | url=http://www.indiansportsnews.com/component/content/article/1-latest/7484-wsh-announces-power-packed-technical-committee.html | title=WSH Announces Power Packed Technical Committee | access-date=11 November 2011 | archive-date=3 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403041112/http://www.indiansportsnews.com/component/content/article/1-latest/7484-wsh-announces-power-packed-technical-committee.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-24/hockey/30437203_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-competition |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185737/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-24/hockey/30437203_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-competition |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2014 |title=WSH ropes in Tina Brullo as competition operations manager |work=The Times of India |date=24 November 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011}}

1996 Atlanta Olympics Indian goalkeeper Alloysius Edwards was chosen as one of the managers of the World Series Hockey,{{cite news |author=Special Correspondent |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article2690117.ece |title=States / Andhra Pradesh : Alloysius Edwards may be manager of World Series Hockey League |work=The Hindu |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |location=Chennai, India |archive-date=7 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207032743/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article2690117.ece |url-status=live }} whereas sports medicine expert P. S. M. Chandran, involved with multiple sports at the international level for more than three decades, was elected as chief medical officer.{{cite web |url=http://thefansofhockey.com/2011/12/05/top-notch-medical-support-for-wsh-dr-psm-chandran-signs-on-as-cmo/ |title=Top notch medical support for WSH: Dr. PSM Chandran Signs on as CMO |publisher=The Fans of Hockey |date=5 December 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=7 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207101955/http://thefansofhockey.com/2011/12/05/top-notch-medical-support-for-wsh-dr-psm-chandran-signs-on-as-cmo/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Chandran-appointed-chief-medical-officer-for-WSH/articleshow/10993852.cms |title=Chandran appointed chief medical officer for WSH |work=The Times of India |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=1 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301112419/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Chandran-appointed-chief-medical-officer-for-WSH/articleshow/10993852.cms |url-status=live }}

The IHF has not been recognised by the International Hockey Federation as the governing body for the sport in India. Instead, the FIH recognises Hockey India as the sole national governing body for the sport. It remained an unsanctioned event as per the FIH statutes.{{cite news |author=S. Thyagarajan |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/hockey/article2288375.ece |title=Sport / Hockey : World Series of Hockey and after… |work=The Hindu |date=24 July 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |location=Chennai, India |archive-date=26 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226232130/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/hockey/article2288375.ece |url-status=live }}

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said that any player who participates in the WSH will be banned from domestic competitions. FIH wrote a letter to PHF which clearly stated that the league is unsanctioned and its players would not take part. Earlier, the FIH had stated that those who had signed their contracts before 28 March 2011 could play in the league, but situation has changed. Apart from Rehan, Zeeshan Ashraf, Mudassar Ali, Tariq Aziz, Adnan Maqsood, Waseem Ahmad, Syed Imran Warsi and Shakeel Abbasi were signed to play in WSH.{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-15/hockey/30400801_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-fih |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185721/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-15/hockey/30400801_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-fih |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2014 |title=Pakistani players may skip World Series Hockey |work=The Times of India |date= 15 November 2011|access-date=12 December 2011}}

FIH president Leandro Negre served a direct warning to players looking to participate in the WSH that they will be suspended from international matches. The entire Indian squad signed a contract to play in the league but Negre made it clear that any Indian player who participates will be banned from the Olympic qualifiers and all FIH tournaments.{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_playing-in-wsh-will-result-in-suspension-warns-fih-president_1612147 |title=Playing in WSH will result in suspension, warns FIH president |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=14 November 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219002514/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_playing-in-wsh-will-result-in-suspension-warns-fih-president_1612147 |url-status=live }}

Former Indian coach Harendra Singh criticized the FIH and Hockey India over interfering in a domestic tournament and stopping players from participating in the WSH. According to him, playing matches is more beneficial for the players than attending camps for the Olympic qualifiers.{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fih-cant-interfere-in-world-series-hockey/206313-5-136.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130010826/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fih-cant-interfere-in-world-series-hockey/206313-5-136.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 November 2011 |title='FIH can't interfere in World Series Hockey' |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=12 December 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-27/hockey/30446520_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-fih |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185726/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-27/hockey/30446520_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-fih |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2014 |title=FIH can't interfere in a domestic event like WSH: Harendra |work=The Times of India |date=27 November 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011}}

On 30 November, six top Indian players pulled out of the league in favor of the national camp for the Olympic qualifiers. In a letter, addressed to Hockey India secretary Narinder Batra and signed by skipper Bharat Chettri, Tushar Khandekar, Yuvraj Walmiki, Sreejesh, Sandeep Singh and Sardar Singh, the players said they would be available for selection. The WSH, however, said that they were yet to get communication from any WSH player regarding their non-availability for the inaugural edition.{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-01/hockey/30462418_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-national-camp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185723/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-01/hockey/30462418_1_wsh-world-series-hockey-national-camp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2014 |title=Key Indian players pull out of World Series Hockey |work=The Times of India |date=1 December 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011}}

On 1 December, six more Indian players pulled out of the World Series Hockey, citing national camp that would coincide with the league start. The six players - Rupinder Pal Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Kangujam Chinglensana Singh, Manjeet Kullu, Birendra Lakra and Manpreet Singh - in a letter assured the Hockey India that they would attend the national camp.{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/six-more-indian-hockey-players-break-ties-with-wsh/1/162376.html |title=World Series Hockey: Six more players break ties : In Focus London Olympics News - India Today |publisher=India Today |date=1 December 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=16 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216175345/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/six-more-indian-hockey-players-break-ties-with-wsh/1/162376.html |url-status=live }}

Sources claimed that coach requested Hockey India to postpone camp from 11 December to sometime in January so that national players can feature in inaugural World Series Hockey.{{cite web |last=Ferro |first=Ashwin |url=http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2011/dec/081211-sports-Coach-Nobbs-ready-to-delay-national-camp.htm |title=Coach Nobbs ready to delay national camp |publisher=MiD DAY |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004060606/https://www.mid-day.com/sports/2011/dec/081211-sports-Coach-Nobbs-ready-to-delay-national-camp.htm |url-status=live }} Organisers of the WSH have said they are open to postponing the event by three months, till after the Olympic Qualification tournament.{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Ready-to-postpone-WSH-till-March--organisers-tell-court/885239/ |title=Ready to postpone WSH till March, organisers tell court |publisher=Indian Express |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=12 December 2011 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506074538/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/ready-to-postpone-wsh-till-march-organisers-tell-court/ |url-status=live }} The organisers postponed the event with condition of written guarantee from HI and an assurance that they will allow all the players to participate in the tournament after the qualifiers.{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_world-series-hockey-likely-to-be-postponed_1623377 |title=World Series Hockey likely to be postponed - Sport - DNA |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=12 December 2011 }}

The tournament got clearance from Delhi High Court on 13 February, adding that the schedule did not clash with international commitments of the national team.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Delhi-HC-paves-way-for-players-participation-in-World-Series-Hockey/articleshow/11874808.cms|title=Delhi HC paves way for players' participation in World Series Hockey|publisher=Times of India|date=13 February 2012|access-date=13 February 2012|archive-date=15 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215103822/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/Delhi-HC-paves-way-for-players-participation-in-World-Series-Hockey/articleshow/11874808.cms|url-status=live}}

18 players of the Indian team that qualified for the Olympics decided to skip the league after a team meeting.{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/230553/team-india-set-skip-world.html|title=Team India set to skip World Series|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=27 February 2012|access-date=28 February 2012|archive-date=2 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302000813/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/230553/team-india-set-skip-world.html|url-status=live}} International Hockey Federation said that it can sanction the WSH only if the two organisations, Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation, reach an agreement.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

{{Portal|India}}

{{Commons|Field Hockey}}

• Premier Hockey League
• Hockey in India
• India men's national field hockey team
• India women's national field hockey team

{{Reflist|3}}

• [http://www.sport195.com/leagues/world_series_hockey_3394 World Series Hockey on SPORT195]

{{World Series Hockey}}

{{National sports leagues of India}}

{{Field Hockey in India}}

{{Field hockey leagues}}

Category:Field hockey leagues in India

Category:Professional sports leagues in India