India, Aug. 4 -- In a latest development surrounding the shock switch in the Indian hockey jersey, from the traditional and iconic blue to saffron, which will be donned at the upcoming World Cup, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey claimed that the top federation's top office-bearers were informed of the decision to change the colour of the jersey just two hours before the public announcement of it. Tirkey questioned whether the move had already been finalised without their approval.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Tirkey sent a strongly worded email to Hockey India executive director RK Srivastava, seeking detailed clarification on the process, which eventually triggered widespread criticism.

Tirkey wrote: "On 27 July 2026...