The Pakistan Hockey Federation yesterday threatened players that they face a five year ban if they participate in unsanctioned tournaments, hinting at the World Series Hockey, that will be played in India in February 2012.

A number of leading Pakistani players, likeu00a0 forward Rehan Butt, ex-captain Zeeshan Ashraf, half-backs Waseem Ahmed and Shakeel Abbasi, goalkeeper Salman Akbar,u00a0 have lapped up lucrative deals with different franchises in the WSH.