HIL Auction: Overseas Stars Dominate Day 2, Women's League to Feature Four Teams

HIL Auction: Overseas Stars Dominate Day 2, Women’s League to Feature Four Teams

The Hockey India League (HIL) players’ auction witnessed a flurry of activity on Day 2, with overseas stars dominating the proceedings. Belgium’s Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Victor Wegnez emerged as the costliest buy, fetching a whopping ₹40 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club.

Kalinga Lancers made a significant investment in foreign talent, acquiring Paris Olympics gold medal-winning captain Thierry Brinkman for ₹38 lakh and Belgian legend Arthur van Doren for ₹32 lakh. Argentine forward Tomas Domene joined Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh.

Among Indian players, rising midfielder M Rabichandra Singh commanded the highest price of ₹32 lakh, going to Kalinga Lancers. Arthur de Sloover of Belgium (₹30 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) and Australian Timothy Daniel (₹28 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) were also among the top buys.

However, some notable names failed to attract bids, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist goalkeeper Andrew Charter of Australia, English drag-flickers Sam Ward and Nick Bandurak, and German World Cup winner Mats Grambusch.

Meanwhile, the first-ever women’s HIL will feature only four teams instead of the planned six. Soorma Hockey Club, Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors will compete for the 96 available slots. The auction for women’s players is scheduled for Tuesday, with a purse of ₹2 crore per franchise.

Top Indian women’s players like Savita, Salima Tete, Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami will be up for grabs, along with international stars such as Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz.

Harmanpreet Singh Breaks Bank at Hockey India League Auctions

Harmanpreet Singh Breaks Bank at Hockey India League Auctions

Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey captain, emerged as the most sought-after player at the Hockey India League auctions, fetching a staggering ₹78 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club. The ace drag-flicker’s acquisition set the tone for a bidding frenzy, with several Indian national team players commanding prices far exceeding their base price of ₹10 lakh.

Abhishek Nain became the second-most expensive buy at ₹72 lakh, snapped up by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. India vice-captain Hardik Singh was acquired by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh. Jugraj Singh (Bengal) and Amit Rohidas (Tamil Nadu Dragons) rounded out the top Indian buys at ₹48 lakh each.

Among the overseas players, Gonzalo Peillat was the most coveted, triggering a fierce bidding war before being acquired by Hyderabad Toofans for a massive ₹68 lakh. The Argentine-turned-German became the fourth most expensive player overall, surpassing Dutch drag-flicker Jip Janssen, who went for ₹54 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons.

Youngsters Araijit Singh Hundal and Rohit also had impressive outings, fetching ₹42 lakh (Gonasika) and ₹40 lakh (SG Pipers) respectively. Australian forward Jeremy Hayward (JSW, ₹42 lakh) and Dutchman Lars Balk (UP, ₹40 lakh) were the other prominent foreign buys.

However, Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh were left disappointed, receiving only ₹19 lakh and ₹25 lakh respectively as teams initially hesitated before gaining momentum.

The auction also witnessed some confusion when Dutch goalkeeper Maurits Visser was put up for bidding before franchises were informed of his withdrawal, forcing last-minute adjustments.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey acknowledged that the ₹4 crore purse was insufficient, stating that the possibility of increasing it next year would be considered after reviewing feedback from franchises.

Hundred Draft System Overhaul Proposed to Attract Top Players

Hundred Draft System Overhaul Proposed to Attract Top Players

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is considering a major overhaul of the Hundred tournament’s draft system and player compensation structure. The proposed changes aim to attract top international players and boost the league’s competitiveness.

Under the new plans, franchises could make direct offers of multi-year contracts worth up to £300,000 per season to players. This would represent a significant increase from the current salary cap of £125,000 for men and £50,000 for women.

The ECB is also considering lobbying the UK’s Home Office to allow each team to field a fourth overseas player in the XI, up from the current limit of three. This move would bring the Hundred in line with other major T20 leagues worldwide.

The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to increase the Hundred’s appeal to top players and fans. The ECB has fallen behind other short-form leagues in attracting men’s stars, and the new salary structure aims to address this issue.

The plans would also see each team able to sign one designated ‘England star’ on a multi-year deal, worth around £100,000 in the women’s competition and £250,000 in the men’s.

The ECB is confident that the proposed changes will make the Hundred more competitive and attractive to players and fans alike. The league’s 2025 season will start in early August, immediately after England’s men complete a Test series against India.

BCCI Cracks Down on IPL Player Withdrawals with Two-Season Ban

BCCI Cracks Down on IPL Player Withdrawals with Two-Season Ban

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented stringent measures to address the issue of players withdrawing from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being acquired at the auction. In the past, several overseas players have pulled out of the tournament, prompting franchises to raise concerns with the BCCI.

To deter such withdrawals, the BCCI has introduced a two-season ban for players who make themselves unavailable before the start of the season. This penalty applies to players who register for the auction and are subsequently picked but choose to withdraw.

Additionally, the BCCI has made it mandatory for overseas players to register for the Big Auction to be eligible for subsequent auctions. This move aims to prevent players from selectively participating in the mini auction, which often results in inflated bidding wars.

To address fitness-related withdrawals, the BCCI will rely on confirmation from the player’s home board. However, the board is exploring the establishment of a verification system at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to ensure the authenticity of medical claims.

The BCCI’s new regulations emphasize that overseas players cannot choose which auctions to participate in. This decision aims to maintain the integrity of the IPL and ensure that all players are available for the duration of the tournament.

IPL Player Regulations 2025-27: Ian Bell Weighs In on Fairness and Balance

IPL Player Regulations 2025-27: Ian Bell Weighs In on Fairness and Balance

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the IPL Player Regulations 2025-27 ahead of the upcoming mega auction. These regulations aim to address the issue of overseas players withdrawing from the tournament after being picked in the auction.

Former England cricketer Ian Bell has weighed in on the new rules, describing them as “fair” but emphasizing the need for a balance. He believes that while it is reasonable to penalize players who fail to honor their commitments, it is also important to consider the conflict between IPL and international schedules.

“It’s a pretty fair rule. If you get picked in the auction and then you don’t come, it’s not fair to the team,” Bell said. “But it’s a balancing act because the IPL is usually at the start of the England season as well.”

According to the new regulations, any overseas player who fails to register for the Big Auction will be ineligible to participate in the following year’s auction. Additionally, any player who registers and is picked in the auction but subsequently makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will be banned from the tournament and player auction for two seasons.

Bell, who retired from cricket in 2020, has transitioned into a coaching role. He recently served as the batting coach for Sri Lanka’s national team and has also worked with England’s U-19 and Lions teams, as well as the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.

The 42-year-old expressed his desire to coach an IPL team in the future, suggesting that his affiliation with the GMR Group, which owns the Delhi Capitals, could lead to a potential opportunity.

“The IPL is the cutting edge of cricket,” Bell said. “I think I can contribute as well with my knowledge of the game. If you want to challenge yourself, then IPL is the place you want to be as a player and coach.”

IPL Tightens Rules to Prevent Overseas Player Withdrawals

IPL Tightens Rules to Prevent Overseas Player Withdrawals

Overseas Players Face Stricter IPL Rules to Prevent Withdrawals

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has implemented new regulations to discourage overseas players from withdrawing after being auctioned. These rules aim to ensure player availability and prevent disruptions for franchises.

Mandatory Registration and Availability

Overseas players must now register for the mega auction. Failure to do so will make them ineligible for the subsequent mini-auction. Once registered and selected, players must remain available throughout the season.

Penalties for Withdrawals

If an overseas player withdraws before the season starts without a valid reason, such as a confirmed injury by their home board, they will face a two-season ban from the tournament and player auctions.

Fitness Assessment and Reporting

Players with a history of recurring injuries, like Ben Stokes, must undergo a fitness assessment by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) if they participate in the IPL mega auction and subsequently get injured. If they withdraw after the assessment, they must report to the BCCI’s medical team or risk missing the next two seasons of IPL.

Capped Fee for Mini-Auctions

To further deter withdrawals, the IPL has capped the maximum fee for overseas players at mini-auctions. This fee will be the lowest of the highest retention price and the highest auction price from the mega auction.

Impact on Overseas Players

These new rules require overseas players to carefully consider their availability and fitness before participating in the IPL. Failure to comply with the regulations could result in significant penalties that could impact their careers.

IPL Introduces Two-Year Ban for Overseas Players Opting Out After Auctions

IPL Introduces Two-Year Ban for Overseas Players Opting Out After Auctions

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has implemented stringent measures to address the issue of overseas players withdrawing from the tournament after being acquired at auctions. To deter such actions, the IPL has introduced a two-year ban for players who make themselves unavailable without legitimate reasons.

Additionally, the IPL has established a “maximum fee” for overseas players at mini auctions. This fee will be capped at the lower of the highest retention price (INR 18 crore) or the highest auction price at the mega auction. This move aims to prevent teams from overspending on overseas players during mini auctions.

The IPL’s decision to mandate overseas player registration for mega auctions is intended to discourage players and agents from seeking higher salaries during mini auctions. Previously, players could avoid the mega auction and potentially earn more money in subsequent mini auctions.

The IPL’s new rules also include an exception for players who withdraw due to injury or medical conditions, which must be confirmed by their home board. This exception ensures that players are not penalized for genuine reasons beyond their control.

The IPL’s governing council has emphasized that these measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the tournament and ensure fair competition among teams. The new rules aim to prevent players from disrupting team plans and to create a more balanced auction process.

SA20 Auction Set to Feature International Stars

SA20 Auction Set to Feature International Stars

The upcoming SA20 auction promises to be a thrilling affair, with a host of international stars set to go under the hammer. Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull are among the overseas players who will be up for grabs.

Nearly 200 players, including 115 South Africans, have made the shortlist, but only 13 spots are to be filled up by the six franchises. Paarl Royals have the biggest purse of R11.95m to spend at the auction, followed by MI Cape Town with R8.275m and Pretoria Capitals with R4.575m.

Other overseas attractions in the shortlist include New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Afghanistan wristspinner Qais Ahmad.

“Some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit have already signed up for season 3 and I am looking forward to see how the teams finalise their squads from this competitive auction list of players,” said Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner.

Reeza Hendricks, who was released by Super Kings, is perhaps the most high-profile South African in the shortlist along with fellow opener Tony de Zorzi.

All squads are required to have 19 players, with a minimum of ten South African players, a maximum of seven international players, a rookie, and a wildcard player.

Barring Super Kings, all franchises have announced their wildcard picks. Notably, Paarl Royals picked former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Having retired from Indian and international cricket in June earlier this year, Karthik will become the first Indian to feature in the SA20.

Super Kings have until December 30 to lock in their wildcard player.

The SA20 2025 auction will take place on October 1 and the tournament will begin on January 9, clashing with Australia’s Big Bash League, UAE’s ILT20, and New Zealand’s Super Smash.

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

The BBL and WBBL drafts are set to take place on September 1, where the eight clubs in each competition will secure overseas players for the 2024-25 season. The draft process has undergone significant changes this year, with clubs now allowed to pre-sign one overseas player before the draft.

Draft Order and Rounds:

The draft order was determined by a weighted lottery based on last season’s finishing positions. In the WBBL, Hobart Hurricanes have the first pick, while Perth Scorchers have the last. In the BBL, Melbourne Stars will have the first pick, and Sydney Sixers will have the eighth.

The draft consists of four rounds, with each round featuring different player categories:

* Round 1: Platinum players
* Round 2: Platinum and Gold players
* Round 3: Gold and Silver players
* Round 4: Silver and Bronze players

Pre-Signed Players and Retention:

Clubs have already taken advantage of the new pre-signing rule, with all eight clubs securing at least one overseas player before the draft. These pre-signed players will be allocated to a specific round based on the value of their contract.

Each club also has one retention pick, which can be used to retain a player who played for the club the previous season or who was signed last year but did not play.

Player Availability:

The WBBL and BBL seasons have been reduced to 40 games each, which has impacted player availability. The WBBL starts just seven days after the T20 World Cup, and there are various bilateral cricket series scheduled during the competition.

In the BBL, most pre-signed players have committed to a full season, but some players drafted in the draft itself may leave early due to commitments to other T20 leagues.

Player Salaries:

Players are divided into four price bands based on their value:

* WBBL:
* Platinum: $110,000
* Gold: $90,000
* Silver: $65,000
* Bronze: up to $40,000
* BBL:
* Platinum: $360,000-$420,000
* Gold: $300,000
* Silver: $200,000
* Bronze: up to $100,000

IPL to Discuss Impact Player Rule, Uncapped Retentions, and Overseas Player Issues

IPL to Discuss Impact Player Rule, Uncapped Retentions, and Overseas Player Issues

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold a crucial meeting with its ten franchises on Wednesday to discuss several key issues, including the future of the Impact Player rule and the retention of uncapped players.

Impact Player Rule:

Introduced in IPL 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to field an additional specialist batter or bowler based on the game situation. While it has led to higher scores, especially in the powerplay, some experts and franchises believe it may hinder the development of all-rounders. The meeting will consider whether to abolish or retain the rule.

Uncapped Player Retentions:

Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of two uncapped Indian players. However, with these players performing consistently, franchises are seeking to increase the number of uncapped retentions or create a special allowance within the main retention pool for them.

Incremental Performance Pay:

The IPL is considering introducing incremental performance pay for players who have improved their stature since being retained at their base price. However, franchises have raised concerns about players who sit on the bench. They suggest a discretionary incentive pot that franchises can use to reward performers.

Overseas Players:

Franchises have proposed removing restrictions on the number of overseas players they can retain within the retention cap. They also believe overseas players have exploited mini auctions to secure record sums of money. The IPL is considering making it mandatory for overseas players to register for mega auctions and imposing a bidding cap at mini auctions.

Other Proposals:

* Holding the mega auction every five years instead of three.
* Reinstating the right-to-match (RTM) card option at auctions.
* Addressing the availability of overseas players.
* Determining the total number of retentions.

The IPL will consider all these proposals at the meeting, but it is unclear whether final decisions will be announced immediately.

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