“The Governing Council will manage and run the new team’s affairs until a new franchise owner comes forward. The Council remains open to discussions with interested parties who may wish to acquire the new franchise,” the statement read.
Photo: IANS
The Hockey India League (Hero HIL) Governing Council on Wednesday announced that it has assumed control of the UP Rudras franchise for the 2026 season. The move is aimed at ensuring the participation of Rudras players in HIL 2026 while preserving the league’s competitive balance.
“The Governing Council will manage and run the new team’s affairs until a new franchise owner comes forward. The Council remains open to discussions with interested parties who may wish to acquire the new franchise,” the statement read.
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The decision follows Rudras’ withdrawal from the league over financial sustainability concerns. While stepping away, the franchise stressed that its future focus will be on strengthening hockey at the grassroots through structured school and community programs, scouting and training initiatives, and development platforms that connect local talent with national recognition.
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The development coincided with the HIL 2026 Mini Auctions, where over 100 men’s and women’s players are up for grabs. With a salary cap of ₹4 crore for men’s teams and ₹2 crore for women’s, franchises are expected to tread carefully at the bidding table.
Each squad will comprise 20 players (including two goalkeepers and 18 outfield players), with a maximum of seven overseas recruits and at least three Indian juniors to provide opportunities for emerging talent.
The auction will run across three base-price slabs, ₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹10 lakh, with ₹2 lakh set as the minimum for both Indian and overseas players.
Franchises can only bid if they have sufficient purse balance and vacant slots and must ensure their remaining budget aligns with the number of players required to complete the squad.
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