The inaugural edition of the World Series Hockey organised by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) will have 176 internationals from India and other countries.

The tournament, which will have eight city-based teams, will be held from December 15 to January 22. The players will be allocated to the teams based on the internationally accepted and practiced 'Draft' system.

"The inaugural edition of the league comprises eight teams and players have signed contracts for the next three years," said Yannick Colaco, chief operating officer of Nimbus Sport, the promoter of the tournament.