Why the old format?

Some former India players were of the opinion that it would have been better had the tournament been played in the new format.

Prior to the start of the all-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament, there were doubts about whether the tournament would follow the FIH format (four quarters of 15 minutes each). It became clear during the first day of the tournament that it will be played the traditional way — 70 minutes, divided into two halves.

Some former India players The Hindu spoke to, however, were of the opinion that it would have been better had the tournament been played in the new format, which FIH has adopted a year and a half ago.

“When the FIH had implemented the rule in 2014, why should the domestic tournaments not be held in 15×4 format?” wondered V. Baskaran, former India captain. “It will surely help the players understand the rules better.”

According to Baskaran, the earlier the players get familiarised with the new rules, the better it is for them. “It will also benefit the umpires,” he said.

Rajinder Singh, coach of Punjab & Sind Bank, and fellow Olympian Md. Riaz concurred with Baskaran. However, H.S. Sokhi, the tournament director, said the new rules were applicable for senior Nationals and FIH-accredited events and not for invitational and other domestic tournaments.

“We go by what Hockey India informs us,” he said.