Hockey India league after successful five seasons will discontinue in 2018 , however the Hockey India officials on tuesday said that, the cash rich domestic league will return in 2019 with fresh new outlook.
Earlier rumours were spread across about the discontinual of the league and now the governing committee comprising of stakeholders and representative have actually cleared the scenario.
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“After five years of successfully organizing the Hockey India League, we felt that it is time to review the League, evaluate its success and comeback with a fresh outlook that will benefit the development of the sport,” said Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Chairman Hockey India League and Secretary General, Hockey India. He further confirmed the decision was only taken after consulting all the commercial partners and meeting the contractual obligations of all parties involved,
There were obligations of financial concern for the franchise holders which may see the end of a successful Hockey India league after 5 seasons . However Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad termed all the reports false and further clarified the continual of league in 2019.
“Due to conflict in dates of the schedule of Hockey India League 2018 and a major international tournament which was likely to restrict the participation of international players,,” the best possible solution was to postpone the league for 2018 season and continue in 2019 with fresh ideas and outlook , Ahmad said.
