Over 150 players up for grabs in Hockey India League mini-auction

The Hockey India League mini players auction will take place in New Delhi on November 18, nearly two months ahead of the second season of HIL, Hockey India announced on Wednesday.

Hockey India Secretary General and HIL Chairman Dr. Narinder Batra said the mini players auction/closed bid would give the franchisees the chance to buy new players to replace permanent withdrawals and complete their squads for the coming season. "The base prices for the players vary from $ 2,600 to $ 25,000," he said.

"With the inclusion of a new team in HIL 2014, we can expect more spectacular hockey this time. The second season will be an exciting opportunity for young talent to leave a mark on this tournament," Dr. Batra said. "We are sure HIL 2014 will build on the massive landmark that the inaugural edition was."

Nearly 154 players from India and overseas have made themselves available for the HIL mini auction. In the inaugural season, 70 top domestic players including the Indian national side as well as 50 international players who are part of the national squads of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Spain, and Argentina played for the five teams.

Of the 120 players who played in the inaugural edition, 60 were Olympians. The list includes winners of the prestigious FIH Player of the Year Award including Jamie Dwyer (2004, 2009, 2010, 2011), Teun de Nooijer (2003, 2005, 2006) and Moritz Fuerste (2012). Seven of the top 10 FIH rated players played in HIL 2013.