New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS): National team players Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh were Saturday banned for two years by Hockey India (HI) for indiscipline.

The two had left the camp for the Asian Champions Trophy in Bangalore Tuesday.

They were twice pulled up for breach of discipline this year.

The decision to ban the two players was taken after a marathon meeting of HI in which chief coach Michael Nobbs and selectors were present. The two players were also called in the meeting to give their viewpoint.

"We discussed the issue of Sandeep and Sardara, who left the camp in Bangalore on August 23 without the permission of the coach. The issues was discussed in detail and the players were also given opportunity to explain their position," HI secretary general Narinder Batra told reporters.

"It's the third time in six months that they have breached discipline. We felt that enough is enough and this time we need to take some action against them. It was a unanimous decision to ban them for two years during which they will not be able to participate in HI and International Hockey Federation (FIH) events.

"It was unfortunate. Sardara is one of the best player and Sandeep is the best drag-flicker but there was a feeling that their indiscipline was hampering the team."

Batra said the players have the right to appeal against the ban within 30 days.

"They can appeal against the ban within 30 days and a five-member committee will be formed to hear their case."

The panel will have two members from HI, one member from Sports Authority of India, one from Indian Olympic Association and one athletes' representative.

Both Sandeep and Sardara said they were surprised at the decision.

"I had taken permission from the coach to go home for some urgent work. I don't know why HI has taken such a decision," Sardara said.

Sandeep and Sardara were dropped from the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament as they played in the Belgium League without getting the necessary clearance from HI.

Last month, they, along with Arjun Halappa, Prabhjot Singh and Adrian D'Souza, were issued notice after missing the national camp for a day to attend the World Series Hockey (WSH).

Batra said both the players failed to give any satisfactory reason for leaving the camp.

"They gave in written that they left the camp with the coach's permission. But they left the camp all of a sudden. If they had family issues they should have said before the selection trials," Batra said.

"They are good players but they shouldn't think they are indispensable."