Hockey India League (HIL) is going to return after 7 years. India will once again see a franchise-based hockey league, which will start from December 28. But a few days before the start, a huge problem has hit this tournament. In fact, many international players have suddenly withdrawn their participation. In October itself, 8 men's and 4 women's franchises had bid for 96 foreign players. Now just two weeks ago, 21 of these players, or about a quarter, have decided not to play in the tournament.

Why are players leaving the tournament rapidly?

The main reason for foreign players leaving the league is said to be its timing. Actually, this league will start from December 28, 3 days after Christmas and just 3 days before the New Year. This is the time of festivals and holidays for foreign players. At this time he wants to spend most time with his family.

In such a situation, he has given priority to his family and holidays before the league. Apart from this, international hockey players have complained about their low salaries. Apart from this, lack of any entertainment facilities around the venue has also been cited as a major reason. Leaving behind his family, he does not want to devote his time to this month-long tournament in Rourkela.

Huge decline in salary

This time a salary cap of Rs 4 crore was kept for the HIL men's tournament and Rs 2 crore for the women's tournament. At the same time, most of the franchises placed bets on Indian players and spent a lot of money on them. Let us tell you that a bid of Rs 78 lakh was received for Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh. Similar bids were received for other Indian players also. Due to this, less money was left in the purse and foreign players were sold very cheaply.

Germany's Christopher Ruhr was the most expensive foreign player in the 2016 auction at Rs 63 lakh. But this time he got only Rs 18 lakh. He withdrew his name citing injury. Netherlands player and Paris Olympics gold medalist Siev Van As was sold for Rs 33 lakh in the last auction, whereas this time he got only Rs 10 lakh. Let us tell you that 8 foreign women players have also withdrawn their names.

Hockey India will take action

Hockey India, the organization that runs Hockey and HIL in India, has said that action will be taken in this matter. Withdrawal of name due to reasons other than legitimate reasons like injury may result in a ban for 3 years. Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh said that times have changed a lot since the first season of HIL. Earlier, foreign players used to be better than Indian players. That's why there was a big bid for him. But Indian players have raised their standards. Olympic performance has increased confidence in him even more, due to which he was sold for more money.