Mumbai Magicians shift base to Delhi following Shiv Sena protests

Mumbai Magicians have 4 out of the total 9 Pakistan players in the Hockey India League.

The Dabur-India owned Mumbai Magicians team have decided to shift to Delhi to prepare in time for their opening Hockey India League match against Delhi Waveriders in Delhi on January.

It may be mentioned here that more than 100 Shiv Sena workers raised the banner of protest and disrupted Mumbai Magicians’ practise session on Sunday due to the involvement of Pakistani players in the their side.

According to Hockey India sources, the Mumbai Magicians team left for Delhi by an early morning flight on Monday.

However, it is still not clear whether the Mumbai Magicians have decided to shift to Delhi on a permanent basis or whether to ensure that they do not miss out on crucial practice ahead of their league opener on Wednesday.

Further, one is not sure whether Mumbai would field their four Pakistan players in their opening tie against Delhi Wave Riders on January 16.

There are as many as nine Pakistan players in the HIL. Mumbai Magicians have the most number of Pakistanis in the side – four of them – Mahmood Rashid, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Tousiq and Imran Butt.

Ranchi Rhinos and Delhi Wave Riders have two Pakistanis while Jaypee Punjab Warriors have one. Uttar Pradesh Wizards is the only team not to feature any Pakistan player.

Hockey India is expected to arrive at a decision soon.