Hockey India League Reduces Squad Size to Boost Team Viability

Hockey India League Adjusts Squad Regulations

In a significant move for team owners in the Hockey India League (HIL), the governing council has announced a reduction in squad size from 24 to 20 players for the upcoming season.

During a recent meeting in Bhubaneswar, team owners expressed their worries regarding insufficient sponsorships and the quality of broadcasts, prompting discussions with Hockey India officials.

The adjustments in regulations stem from this meeting, where franchise owners, facing substantial financial losses, voiced their concerns about the league's management.

According to the new rules, each team must consist of 13 Indian players and 7 international players. The governing council has also outlined guidelines for player retention and release.

Franchises will now have the option to release up to eight players from their men's teams, while retaining a maximum of ten players from their women's teams. Released players will be available for purchase during the mini auction scheduled for September.

Players who withdrew from the league last year and received a three-year ban may return to their previous franchises, contingent on the owner's approval.

Additionally, franchises are permitted to trade players among themselves, but Hockey India has imposed a limit stating that traded players can only be valued at 50% more than their last franchise fee.

For instance, if Player A was auctioned for INR 5,00,000, they can be traded for a maximum of INR 7,50,000, as detailed in the document shared with team owners.

Despite these changes, the salary cap for teams remains unchanged at Rs 4 crore for men's teams and Rs 2 crore for women's teams. This cap will now encompass retained players and those acquired through trades to enhance team rosters.