Sports Ministry wants IPL owners to invest in HIL and other leagues
The Indian Sports Ministry is encouraging IPL franchise owners to invest in other domestic leagues like the Hockey India League to ensure financial sustainability. Despite internal administrative tensions within Hockey India, the ministry remains committed to the league's continuity.
Why it matters
This represents a strategic shift in Indian sports management, aiming to leverage the commercial success of cricket to bolster less-funded sports.
Even as rumours of a Hockey India (HI) Executive Board meeting sans president Dilip Tirkey on Friday made rounds sparking questions of legality and conspiracy theories, the Sports Ministry is known to have made it clear that it would brook no violations while ensuring that the federation and the beleaguered Hockey India League (HIL) continued without a hitch.
Sources in the know revealed that the ministry was looking at existing Indian Premier League (IPL) owners and franchises to get involved in the HIL as well to ensure sustainability and success. The recent good performance by the Indian women’s hockey team, with a large part of the credit going to the WHIL, has also impressed the ministry enough to get involved if necessary.
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