Hockey India League 2024-25 player auction dates announced; set to take place in October
Hockey India has officially announced the auction dates for the much-awaited return of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25. The auction will take place over three days, from October 13 to 15 in New Delhi, and will determine the players for the upcoming season. This year's edition will be unique as both men's and women’s teams will compete simultaneously for the first time, with both competitions set to receive equal prominence.
HIL, returning after a seven-year break, will run from December 28, 2024, to February 5, 2025, marking a 35-day window where no international players will participate elsewhere. The exclusive window, sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and blocked for five years, guarantees that the best talents from around the globe will be available to participate in the league.
Each franchise will build a 24-player squad, consisting of at least 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of four junior players) and eight international stars. The balanced approach is designed to nurture local talent while adding international flair to the competition.
Players from 15 countries will be part of the auction, creating an exciting mix of international and domestic talent. The HIL, which began in 2013, played a significant role in promoting Indian hockey until it was paused in 2017. The upcoming edition of HIL will see participation from eight men’s and six women’s teams.
The HIL 2024-25 will see its matches played across two venues - Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. While the women’s league final is scheduled for January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, the men’s final will be held on February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
PR Sreejesh withdraws his name from the Hockey India League 2024-25 auction
Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has withdrawn his name from the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) auction. Having played a crucial role in helping India secure a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, Sreejesh decided to retire from professional hockey on a high note.
While his playing days are behind him, the veteran is reportedly expected to join as the brand ambassador for the Delhi franchise in the upcoming HIL season. The Delhi team is owned by SG Sports Ventures, part of APL Apollo Tubes Limited, and Sreejesh’s association with them marks an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career.