Sandeep, Sardara appeal against ban; could be let off

Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra said that the duo had e-mailed their appeal plea to him today and sought for a meeting with him next week.

"Both Sandeep and Sardara had sent their appeals to me today. They have also expressed their desire to meet me and I will be meeting them next week any day after Tuesday," Batra told PTI said.

"After I meet them, a five-member committee will be formed which will look into their appeal," he added.

According to HI sources, keeping in mind next year's Olympic qualifiers, both Sandeep and Sardara could be pardoned with a warning if they accept their guilt before the five-member panel.

"Sardara is presently the best midfielder in the world and Sandeep is one of the best drag-flickers. No doubt they have done a mistake but they are still young and they will be crucial to the team in the qualifiers," a source said.

Both Sandeep and Sardara were banned for two years by HI's disciplinary committee after they quit midway the national camp in Bangalore last month ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy citing personal reasons.

The two players were, however, given 30 days' time by HI to appeal against their ban.