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After Mumbai Magicians withdrew from the Hockey India League (HIL), it is now the turn of Ranchi Rhinos to say goodbye to the league. The reason for the pullout is due to the differences that cropped up between Hockey India (HI) and the owners of the franchise, Patel-Uniexcel Group.
According to sources, the Ranchi team management had explained their decision to HI earlier this week. The Ranchi Rhinos were the champions in the inaugural edition of the league. The 24 players who represent the Ranchi franchise will now go into an auction along with players from Mumbai franchise. Pune looks like the next city to join the HIL bandwagon and Hockey India are confident of finding a new owner for Mumbai team.
HI general secretary Narinder Batra said that the next edition will not feature eight teams. “The league will have six teams, like the last season. Mumbai will have a new owner and Pune is likely to replace Ranchi. There were plans of expansion but it seems unlikely now,” the official added.
Germany’s Moritz Fuerste who was part of the Rhinos tweeted his disappointment.
