Hockey India League, a quick guide: Teams, format of the tournament, where to watch and more | Cricket News
Hockey India League is set for a return after 7 years, with a men’s tournament featuring 8 teams and a women’s tournament (for the first time) featuring four teams. The league will be headlined India’s Olympic medalls Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Abhishek and Hardik Singh, while overseas stars like Thierry Brinkman, Blake Govers and Jip Janssen.
Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
How many teams are part of the Hockey India League?
In the men’s tournament, eight teams in contention: Delhi SG Pipers, Team Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Tamil Nadu Dragons, UP Rudras, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.
Where are the men’s HIL matches taking place?
Apart from four matches in Ranchi, men’s HIL will take place in Rourkela at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
What is the format of the men’s HIL?
Phase 1 spans from 28 December to 18 January, where all eight teams will play against each other once. Phase 2, beginning on 19 January, will see the teams divided into two pools: Pool A (Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers) and Pool B (Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, UP Rudras). Each team will face others in their respective pool, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals on 31 January.
Will there be draws in men’s HIL?
Any drawn matches in the league phase will be followed a shootout. Three points to the winner in normal time; one point to the winner of a shootout following a draw plus one bonus point, and one point to the loser of the shootout, in the event of a draw. It is the same system in place in the FIH Pro League
How big are the squads in men’s HIL?
The squad size for all 8 teams in 24 players and the auctions took place in Delhi in October. During the tournament, teams will nominate 20 out of their 24-member squad (8 overseas) for a match. No less than 2 and no more than 5 overseas players may be on the pitch for each team at any time during the match, including the goalkeeper.
Where can you watch men’s HIL matches?
Matches will be shown live on Sony Sports Network and DD Sports. Tickets are free for fans attending matches in Ranchi and Rourkela. Free tickets are now available on Ticketgenie’s web portal and app.
What about the women’s HIL?
The women’s tournament is happening for the first time. That begins on 12th January 2025 in Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with the final slated for 26th January.
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
