The Hindu: Dabang Mumbai releases Tom Boon, retains only three players

Dabang Mumbai have released its star striker Tom Boon, the costliest player ever of the league, while retaining just three players for the 2016, 2017 editions of Hockey India League (HIL).

He was expected to be the most happening player of last season but Boon, who fetched a whopping $ 103,000 for the 2015 season, turned out to be a big disappointment having scored just one goal.

Dabang Mumbai, who made its debut last year, had the option of retaining a maximum of six players — three Indians and as many foreigners, but they chose to retain only three players.

The Mumbai franchise retained Indian defender and penalty corner specialist Harmanpreet Singh, besides Irish goalkeeper David Harte and Australian defender Jeremy Hayward.

Apart from Boon, other notable names who have been released by Dabang Mumbai are Dutchman Floris Evers, Australian trio of Matthew Swann, Glen Turner and Timothy Deavin, England’s Nick Catalin and Indians Arjun Halappa, Chinglessana Singh, Bharat Chikkara among others.

Speaking on the decision, Dabang Mumbai’s strategic advisor and mentor Viren Rasquinha siad: “It was a well deliberated decision keeping in mind the contributions of all the three retained players from last season. Each player adds a unique element to the team composition.

“Given Harmanpreet’s brilliance as a drag-flicker and a defender, he has a bright future and we are happy to have him in our team this year as well. Clearly, David Harte and Jeremy are international stalwarts and were an easy choice for us. I am confident we will work towards setting up a strong core for the team in addition to these players and build a winning team for the upcoming season.”