The Hockey India League (HIL) has made its return following a deep slumber of seven years with the promise of unearthing talents from different corners of the country and serving as a breeding ground for future international stars. After coming to a screeching halt in 2017 because of financial issues and a crowded calendar, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey says the organisation has addressed those concerns to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.
The men’s competition will run concurrently with a women’s league, which has been introduced for the first time in HIL history. Eight men’s teams and six women’s teams will be part of the upcoming season and HI has secured approval of a 35-day window from the International Hockey Federation to conduct its two competitions.
The eight franchises of the men’s competition will be based out of Punjab, Delhi, Lucknow, Odisha, West Bengal, Ranchi, Chennai and Hyderabad.
HIL informed that two out of six women’s league franchises will be unveiled later on upon completion of legal proceedings. The four teams that have been announced will be based out of Haryana, Delhi, West Bengal and Odisha.
The Auction And Squad Composition
Each franchise will have to build a squad comprising 24 players, which they can pick during a three-day players auction to be held from October 13 to 15.
Each squad should have at least 16 Indian players of which four must be junior players. The limit of overseas players has been set to eight per squad.
The Venues
Two venues have been picked to conduct the matches with the men’s competition to be held at Odisha’s Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The women’s matches will be conducted at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
We have only introduced two venues so as to not burden the franchises since this is the first year of the competition,” Tirkey explained.
The women’s final will be held on 26 January 2025 while the men’s final on 1 February 2025.
No Drawn Games
Every match of the HIL 2024-25 will result in a winner. If a game ends in a draw, the winner will be decided by a shootout.
HIL Future Secured?
HI vice-president Bhola Nath Singh revealed during a media interaction in New Delhi on Friday that they have secured an exclusive HIL window from FIH for the next five years.
10-year-agreement With The Owners
To ensure the smooth conduct of the league for years to come, Tirkey revealed that the HI has reached a 10-year agreement with the owner with a review planned every three years to discuss problem areas and how to proceed further
Men’s Teams and owners
Chennai (Charles Group), Lucknow (Yadu Sports), Punjab (JSW Sports), West Bengal (Shrachi Sports), Delhi (SG Sports and Entertainment), Odisha (Vedanta Limited), Hyderabad (Resolute Sports), Ranchi (Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited)
Women’s Teams and Owners
Haryana (JSW Sports), West Bengal (Shrachi Sports), Delhi (SG Sports and Entertainment), Odisha (Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited)
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