The Sports Ministry is looking to involve the owners of the Indian Premier League to revive the Hockey India League. In a bid to strengthen the financial foundation of the HIL, India’s Sports Ministry is exploring the involvement of IPL franchise owners in the country’s premier domestic hockey competition.
According to reports in Sportstar, the move aims to address the league’s ongoing financial challenges and administrative hurdles faced by Hockey India. The cash-strapped HIL, which made a return in the 2024-25 season after a seven-year hiatus, has struggled to achieve long-term sustainability.
Sports Ministry eyes IPL owners’ involvement to revive Hockey India League
The proposal comes in the wake of the Sports Minister’s recent directive calling for the formation of a five-member committee to prepare a comprehensive revival roadmap for the league. As per a report in the Sportstar, a Ministry source said:
“The IPL owners have been positive in their responses. The HIL will happen and will continue.”
Sources indicate that the ministry is looking to replicate the highly successful IPL franchise model in hockey, with the potential to extend a similar approach to other sports, including women’s hockey, archery, and volleyball.
It comes after the stunning performance of the Indian women’s hockey team, which has impressed everyone. Meanwhile, the co-owner of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, JSW, already owns both men’s and women’s teams in HIL.
The reports further add that the ministry is looking for the involvement of the IPL owners to be involved in the other leagues too, including the Pro Kabaddi League and the Prime Volleyball League, and more.
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