HIL auction: Change of rule regarding field goals works in favour of strikers

New Delhi: The world of hockey witnessed its own windfall on Thursday with many players earning huge money during the 2015 HIL auction.

The recent rule change to award two goals for each field goal scored during the fourth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) proved beneficial for forwards. During the 2015 HIL players' auction held on Thursday in Delhi, franchises doled out huge sums to acquire the services of goal poachers.

Forwards were sold like hot cakes. Kalinga Lancers broke the USD 100,000 barrier in outbidding rival franchises for Mortiz Fuerste. The German legend was bought for a tournament record of USD 105,000. Fuerste's compatriot Florian Fuchs, also a lethal striker, was bought by Dabang Mumbai for USD 96,000.

In a bid to make the game more attractive and more creative, Hockey India (HI) – organisers of HIL – on Monday announced the new rule change with approval from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). If this change works, it can be adopted for international tournaments.

And the HIL franchises didn't waste the chance to add strikers and creative midfielder players in their respective squads. As a result, many unheralded forwards and midfielders were given more weightage over the famed drag-flickers.

In this line, young Indian striker Akashdeep Singh overshadowed his more illustrious compatriots. He was purchased by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for USD 84,000. Yes, veteran dragflicker Sandeep Singh and defender Gurmail Singh became the second costliest Indian players with a price-tage of USD 81,000 each, but the attacking players were certainly the flavour of the auction.

Strikers like Mandeep Singh and Nikkin Thimmiah were sold for huge amounts, as Delhi Waveriders and Dabang Mumbai shelled out USD 70,000 and USD 67,000 respectively to have the players in their ranks.

Having said that, franchises spent enough money in defenders as required by the design. For every lethal striker roped in, they will also need a equal number of effective defenders.