India vs Pakistan Hockey: Why India ended with 10 players despite no Red Card?

India continued their winning momentum against Pakistan with a 2-1 victory on Saturday (September 14) at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir, China.

The Men in Blue edged out the arch-rivals courtesy of a Harmanpreet Singh brace, thus ensuring a 100 per cent winning record in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy.

Pakistan took the lead with a goal from Ahmad Nadeem in the first quarter. India came back quickly with a Harmanpreet Singh equalizer. The captain then scored his second from another penalty corner as India won 2-1. Despite the defeat, Pakistan have qualified for the semifinals, whereas India already are the first-placed team in the points table.

Although the significance of this high-voltage clash was very less, both teams came out with purpose and the encounter didn't disappoint. There were thrills and setbacks, a moment of clash between players as well.

There were a fair share of cards as well. Pakistan received one Green and Yellow card, while India were also given one Yellow card. But despite there not being a Red Card, India ended up with 10 men on the pitch.

India vs Pakistan: Why did India end with 10-man on the Pitch?

In Hockey, a Green Card means a two-minute suspension, whereas a Yellow Card means a 5-minute suspension. But in some cases, a Yellow Card can lead to a 10-minute suspension if it involves serious misconduct.

Ashraf Waheed Rana 10-minute Yellow Card

In the 4th quarter of the match, with 10 minutes to play, Ashraf Waheed Rana was shown a Yellow Card. He allegedly moved his left elbow towards India's Jugraj Singh, which left the Indian player floored and also induced a heated spat among a few India and Pakistan players. The umpire went for an official review and the TV umpire advised him for a Yellow Card with serious misconduct. That led to Rana's suspension for the last ten minutes of the match.

Although Waheed's suspension ended with 7 seconds still remaining on the clock, it was largely insignificant for Pakistan.

Manpreet Singh Yellow Card

With less than three minutes to play, Manpreet Singh was shown a Yellow Card which led to his 5-minute suspension. That meant India were also reduced to 10 men and at parity with Pakistan for the final couple of minutes.