150 players for HIL auction

More than 150 players from 14 countries, including 95 Indians, will go under the hammer when the Hero Hockey India League’s Closed Bid 2013 takes place here on Friday, nearly two months ahead of the second season.

Hockey India secretary-general and HIL chairman Narinder Batra said the 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. “Nearly 150 players from 14 countries including 95 from India  have made themselves available for the Closed Bid. The Bid is expected to see a lot of competition between young Indian and overseas players. The second season will be an exciting opportunity for the young and upcoming talent,” said Batra.