Players criticize Hockey India League for hectic schedule

23 January, 2013

Just a week after the Hockey India League took off discontented voices are being from participating teams and players about their fixtures. Some teams are even blamed they are losing matches due to their hectic schedule.

This is nothing new in the Indian sports scenario, where teams find many a reason to justify their defeats. This time the lame excuse is their match schedule. All teams are required to play in home and away format so there is no way it can be avoided. The teams were required to understand this and make necessary arrangements. So, the fault primarily lies with the respective teams, who complain about traveling, scheduling etc.

There are five teams in the competition and the championship will finish in less than 30 days, so such kind of hectic scheduling was anticipated. Ric Charlesworth, coach for Mumbai Magicians in this NNIS video said, “We had people in the team, who did not even know the names of the players they are playing with. It will take time to solidify the group. Traveling is difficult. This is a tough competition.” With his experience, one would have expected him to handle the team better and come well prepared for the tournament.

On the contrary, this kind of situation can better be dealt by giving rest to players in alternate matches, as each team comprises of 24 players. If this is done, the players are also going to remain fresh for their matches and come up with their best.

This is the first edition of the HIL so teams might take time to adjust, but gradually sooner or later, they need to get used to it. The sooner teams adjust the better it is for them as well as for the competition.