The Hockey India League (HIL), which has been absent for nearly seven years, is set to make a grand return with its player auction commencing on October 13, 2024. Following the Indian hockey team’s commendable performance in clinching the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, there’s been a notable resurgence in enthusiasm for hockey across the nation. The excitement of the HIL, much like the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket, has fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming auction and the competition itself.
What Makes this Hockey India League Different?
The previous editions of the Hockey India League consisted of only men’s teams competing over five seasons. This new iteration breaks new ground by introducing a simultaneous women’s tournament, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in the sport. This season will feature 8 men’s teams as well as 6 women’s teams, both competing under the same umbrella, which is a major development in promoting women’s hockey in India.
Details of the Auction: When and Where?
The HIL player auction will kick off on October 13 and run through October 15, taking place in a luxury hotel in New Delhi. The auction will commence at 2:30 PM on the first day, with men’s player auctions scheduled for October 13 and 14, followed by the women’s player auction on October 15. Fans can look forward to the thrilling dynamics of player bidding, mirroring the atmosphere of IPL auctions.
Starting Bid Prices for Players
Similar to the IPL, the Hockey India League establishes base prices for its players. These have been set at 2 lakh, 5 lakh, and 10 lakh rupees. Players who registered for the auction had the freedom to select their base price, allowing them to tailor their auction expectations. In contrast, the IPL has higher base prices, with uncapped players starting at Rs 20 lakh and capped players at Rs 50 lakh, with a maximum base price reaching up to Rs 2 crore.
Budget for Teams and Player Acquisition Targets
Each franchise is allocated a budget of Rs 4 crore for procurement during the auction. Teams will be tasked with assembling a roster of 24 players, comprising a maximum of 16 Indian players and 8 foreign players. Furthermore, at least 4 of the Indian players must be under the age of 21, promoting youth talent within the league.
Participating Teams and Their Home Cities
The men’s teams will represent eight distinct regions, including:
- Delhi (SG Sports-Entertainment)
- Chennai (Charles Group)
- Lucknow (Yadu Sports)
- Kolkata (Shrachi Group)
- Odisha (Vedanta)
- Hyderabad (Resolute Sports)
- Ranchi (Navoyam- Team Gonasika, Visakhapatnam base)
- Punjab (JSW Sports)
For the women’s tournament, the participating teams include:
- Delhi (SG Sports-Entertainment)
- Kolkata (Shrachi Group)
- Odisha (Navoyam)
- Haryana (JSW Sports)
- Two additional teams which are yet to be officially named.
Diverse Talent Pool: Players from Across the Globe
While Indian players dominate the auction with a total of 488 athletes registered, the event will also witness the participation of international talent. Other nations will be represented, including:
- 24 players from Australia
- 23 players from Argentina
- 18 players from England
- 15 players from Belgium
- 17 players from Spain
- 14 players from the Netherlands (the reigning Olympic champions)
- 12 players from Germany (the world champions)
The revival of the Hockey India League promises not only to be a thrilling chapter in Indian hockey but also signifies the sport’s growth and development, creating more opportunities for players and enhancing the overall hockey culture in the country. Fans, players, and stakeholders alike are preparing for an unforgettable experience that will now include women’s tournaments alongside the traditional men’s games.
