DNA Correspondent l MUMBAI In what could be a big blow to the World Series Hockey (WSH), six Indian players have confirmed their unavailability for the inaugural edition of the eight-city event. Captain Bharat Chetri, vice-captain Tushar Khandker, drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, midfielder Sardara Singh, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and youngster Yuvraj Walmiki have written a letter to Hockey India secretary-general, Narendra Batra, saying they would be available for the Olympic qualifiers.

A part of the letter, dated November 29 and drafted a day after the WSH teams were announced, reads: “We are writing to you to advise that we are not playing in the World Series Hockey and that we will be attending the National Camp in Delhi for the Olympic Qualifiers on 11th of December until February 2012 and we will be available for selection in the national team for the Olympic Qualifiers.”

The players added they would appeal to the WSH organisers to conduct the tournament after the qualifiers. When contacted in Johannesburg where they are playing the Champions Challenge, the players refused to speak on the matter and said they would answer only tournament-related queries. However, chief coach Michael Nobbs was happy that ‘better sense prevailed.’ “I am not aware of the letter, but their decision is a good one. We need the team to be together at least till the qualifiers are over,” the Australian told DNA.

Nimbus COO Yannick Colaco said, “We have heard about it only from the media. We haven’t seen the letter, nor have the players communicated anything to us.” The WSH has been a contentious issue ever since it was announced last year. Hockey India and International Hockey Federation have warned that players participating in the league will be banned from international events.