120 players sold at Hockey India League auction

MUMBAI: As many as 120 hockey players were sold to franchises at the Hockey India League (HIL) players? auction on Sunday.

Like the IPL, some players went for much more than their base price while others were unsold. Midfielder Sardar Singh made the most money of $78,000 (Rs 42,90,000) from Delhi WaveRiders. Uttar Pradesh Wizards bought drag-flicker V R Raghunath for $76,000. This was more than five times his base price. He expressed surprise at getting such a good deal.

Australian Jamie Dwyer was bought by Jaypee Punjab Warriors for $60,000. German Mortiz Fuertse was bought by Ranchi Rhinos for $75,500 and Teun Nooijer by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for $66,000.Not everybody hit the jackpot though. Sandeep Singh was bought by Mumbai Magicians for his base price of $27,800 (Rs.15,29,000). Like the IPL past performances matter. Bharat Chetri who led India in their poor run at the Olympics was not picked.

Nine out of the 15 Pakistani players available for auction were bought. Mumbai Magicians bought four Pakistani players - Mohammad Rashid for $41,000, Mohammad Tousiq $27,000, Fareed Ahmed for $21,000 and goalkeeper Imran Butt for $5,500. No Pakistan player takes part in the IPL.

There are five franchises who will compete in the HIL which starts next month. The Indian national team fared poorly at the Olympics but made the semi final of the Champions Trophy.