The revived Hockey India League (HIL) is facing serious uncertainty ahead of its third edition, with multiple franchises considering exits and interest from foreign players remaining low.
Sources have indicated that more than one team could leave the competition, while questions also remain over the structure of the women’s league. The situation comes barely two years after HIL was relaunched.
“Last year, the Ranchi franchise came in as a replacement for the Odisha team in the women’s competition and Gonasika among the men. Shrachi Tigers, which own the Bengal franchise among both men and women, are also on the lookout of investors to offload and exit,” federation sources admitted.
Ranchi Royals had earlier sought clarity from the HIL Governing Council over its future, the alleged non-receipt of Rs. 10 crore in promised sponsorship from the Jharkhand government and transparency surrounding commercial terms. The franchise was subsequently terminated over non-payment issues, with Hockey India clearing dues from its share of revenue.
The women’s competition is expected to continue with four teams. JSW Sports and APL Apollo, which owns Delhi SG Pipers, have verbally agreed to remain after considering an exit. Discussions over a Bangalore-based franchise are also reportedly nearing completion.
“The women’s league will happen, with only four teams. The modalities are still being worked out, but there is no question of discontinuing it,” a source said.
The men’s league could shrink from the eight teams that competed in the first two editions.
“There may be a change of ownership or franchise city. The number of teams is also likely to be less, perhaps five or six at the most,” Hockey India officials said.
Financial and administrative problems have affected HIL since its return. Gonasika joined as the eighth men’s franchise on the day of the 2024 player auction, while Ranchi’s original women’s team faced allegations of unpaid dues from foreign players. Shrachi reportedly cleared its 2025 dues only towards the end of June.
Uncertainty over payments has also contributed to limited interest from overseas players, prompting Hockey India to extend the registration deadline from July 24 to August 31.
HI president Dilip Tirkey has reportedly held several meetings with franchise owners, prospective sponsors and Tata Group representatives in an effort to secure the league’s future. The situation also reportedly led Tirkey to cancel his World Cup travel, while permission for HI Director General Cdr. R. K. Srivastava to make the trip was denied but disregarded.
