HIL to return after 7-year hiatus; women’s event added for 1st time

On a day when Hockey India revealed the start of Hockey India League after a seven-year pause, the sports body has made it clear that franchise owners cannot hold back players’ wages. The last time the League was held in 2017, it was marred by complaints from several players about unpaid wages. So this time the Hockey India is determined to stop such mismanagement from team owners specially after struggling to revive the league.

A Hockey India source told The Tribune on Friday that there was specific clause in the agreement with the franchise owners regarding wages.

“We have ensured that Franchise owners stay true to their commitments. There is a clause in the contract that they have to clear wages no later than 45 days of end of the season,” he said on the sidelines of the announcement of the league. “If they do not they are likely to get some sanctions,” he added.

On Friday Hockey India announced the league will feature eight men’s and six women’s team, which is being held for the first time.

The HI also revealed that a players’ auction will be held between October 13 to 15 in New Delhi and all teams will have a 24-player squad. Teams will consist of sixteen Indian players, including four junior players and eight international stars.

The league will have no home and away matches but the games will be restricted to only two venues Ranchi and Rourkela. “We are mindful of the fact that franchise owners do not struggle to run the teams so cut the cost the matches will only be held across two venues,” said a Hockey India official.

While all men’s team owners were announced with JSW prominent amongst them, only four women teams were announced on Friday. — TNS/ With inputs from agencies.