IHF to start World Series Hockey, but will HI let it succeed?

It has the potential to become a landmark step in reviving Indian hockey. A multi-million dollar prize money league featuring some of the best players from across the world, attractive format with franchisee-owned teams and involvement of some of the top corporate houses from the country, all of it surely makes it a lucrative prospect; a reminder of the defunct Premier Hockey League that captured everyone’s imagination.

But seldom can we take things on its face value when it comes to Indian hockey.

So even as ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, Sardara Singh, Dhananjay Mahadik and Adrian D’Souza smilingly posed for photographs during the announcement of World Series Hockey (WSH), a venture initiated by Nimbus Sports and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), on Tuesday, one could sense the jitters. The WSH has to deal with a number of serious issues even before it has taken proper shape.

WSH’s first edition is to take place in November/December 2011 after the Champions Trophy, extending up to February 2012 and will feature 100 matches held over 10 weeks, involving around 250 players. The two parties have entered into a 15-year agreement to conduct the annual league, spread over 10 cities in India.

The private TV channel have brought on board all the national team players, giving them lucrative contracts. But the danger of these players not being able to participate in the league looms large, thanks to the power-struggle between IHF and Hockey India (HI). “I have no right to stop a player from signing a contract, but he should be available to fulfill his national duty whenever called upon. The next two years are extremely crucial for us, keeping in mind the Olympics qualifiers in 2012. We will have a packed schedule for 2011 meaning that players will not have any time to play in domestic leagues,” HI secretary-general Narendra Batra told DNA.

Sandeep, reaffirmed his commitment towards the national team like all other players. “Something like the World Series Hockey is happening in India for the first time,” said the penalty corner specialist. Asked whether he is willing to risk omission from the national squad against the prospect of estimated Rs40 lakhs annual League earnings, he said: “If I am good enough for India, I will be selected.”

The league teams will be owned by corporate franchises and players will be allocated on the basis of draft pick. Performers will get guaranteed playing fees, endorsements and performance incentives.