Mumbai Magicians may withdraw from Hockey India League

Sudheendra Tripathi

MUMBAI: All is not well between Hockey India (HI) and the Mumbai Magicians. The Mumbai franchise, who were part of the first two editions of the Hockey India League (HIL), are all set to withdraw from the third edition which is set to begin from the third week of January according to sources.

The Magicians have done little to promote the game in the city and have not been taking their team too seriously, said the source. HI officials had even reprimanded the franchise for the same.

“Officials in HI feel that the Mumbai franchise was conducting matches at Mumbai’s Bombay Hockey Association (BHA) ground perfunctorily. They haven’t done anything to promote the game,” an HI source said.

HI general secretary Narendra Batra, however, denied any rift between the body and the Burmans, who own the Mumbai franchise. “I haven’t heard anything of this kind. No one from our side or their side has discussed anything of this sort. In fact, preparations for the forthcoming season are on in full-flow,” Batra stressed.

According to sources, a crucial meeting between the two parties scheduled for September 6 in New Delhi could prove to be decisive. “This meeting will decide the fate of Mumbai Magicians. But indications are that the Magicians are on their way out,” the source revealed.

Mumbai Magicians’ Chief Operating Officer, Satya Tadimeti, neither confirmed nor denied the news. “Let’s talk about it next week,” was his pregnant remark.

Mohit Burman, owner of the Magicians, who is presently in London, told TOI in an e-mail communication that all reports of his team pulling out are false. In all likelihood though, the Magicians will withdraw from the HIL. The HIL organisers however have little to worry about. There are two franchises that are desperate to get in. “The third edition of the league will feature eight teams (last season there were six),” Batra confirmed.

According to sources, Pune could be one of the teams. “Talks are on and HI might rope in Pune. As for Mumbai, Dabur might be replaced with another owner (preferably from Mumbai) if nothing concrete comes out of the meeting on September 6,” the source added.