Hockey India League third edition faces team exits, low foreign interest

The third edition of the revived Hockey India League is on shaky ground, with multiple sources confirming to The Hindu and Sportstar that more than one existing team is on the verge of exiting and the women's competition is uncertain. Shrachi Tigers, which owns the Bengal franchise for both men and women, is seeking investors to exit. Ranchi Royals was terminated over non-payment issues after seeking clarity on a promised Rs 10 crore sponsorship from the Jharkhand government.

Among the four women's teams, only JSW Sports and APL Apollo, owners of Delhi SG Pipers, have verbally agreed to continue. Talks are in final stages for a Bangalore-based team. The men's competition is likely to shrink from eight teams to five or six. Foreign player interest is low due to payment uncertainties, forcing Hockey India to extend the registration deadline to August 31.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has held meetings with franchise owners and Tata Group representatives in the last month to salvage the league. Tirkey cancelled his World Cup travel and denied permission to the HIL governing committee convenor, who disregarded the order. The women's league is expected to continue with four teams.