Sardar, Dwyer named brand ambassadors of HIL

Apart from naming the brand ambassadors of the league, Hockey India (HI) also unveiled the logo for the six-team franchise-based event.

Announcing the ambassadors of the league, HI secretary general and HIL chairman Narinder Batra thanked the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for granting a one-month window for the event, which will be played on home-and-away basis.

"Since it is an FIH-sanctioned league, there will be best of coaches and international players. Each team will have 24 players -- 14 Indian and 10 foreign players out of which five international players can play at a time," Batra said.

"FIH will be sending technical officials for the league. There will a total of 33 matches -- 30 league matches, two play-offs and final. The league will help young Indian players to play alongside the best of world hockey," he added.

IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla and renowned media personality Rajat Sharma, both of whom board are members of HIL, were present during the gala function.

Shukla lauded HI for conceptualising the IPL-style league.

"HIL is a noble thought on HI's part. Ther format of the league is good and will be financially viable for the franchises," he said.

"The IPL experience will help the hockey league. The IPL and BCCI are willing to support all games by whatever way we can. As a member of HIL board, I will try to help and promote the league.

"I also thank the FIH for creating a window for HIL as without international players, the HIL could have lost its charm," he added. MORE