PTI

Jalandhar, Aug 28: Former Olympian Pargat Singh on Monday advocated floating of Indian Hockey League (IHL) as a parallel body to Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) on the lines of Indian Cricket League.

"For the promotion of hockey, a parallel body like Indian Hockey League (IHL) is always welcome, as it will definitely promote the game," Pargat said.

"Time is ripe for all veteran hockey players to join hands and think about the idea of forming IHL as IHF did not do much for the promotion of the national game, which was even excluded from the priority list of Union Sports ministry," he added.

However, he admitted that the idea could only materialise if a big sponsor chips in.

Pargat, who has always been vocal against the IHF's style of functioning said its President K P S Gill should take a lesson from the flick 'Chak de India' and instead of indulging in politics, should concentrate on betterment of the game.

"IHL would also help in scouting talent from across the country, as if a parallel body conducts regular tournament, more talented players could get noticed on the basis of their performance in the league," he said.

Pargat also termed as "unwarranted" the BCCI's objection to ICL and expulsion of Kapil Dev as chairman of the National Cricket Academy.