Tit Bits: Here and there: “I have no Idea:: Imran Butt

When the Hockey India League (HIL) finally kicked off on Monday, 14 January 2013, there were a lot of doubts that were rested, whether they be about the quality of the games, the organisational abilities or the presence of enough people at the venues.
But perhaps the most important things that happened were behind the scenes, or on field but hidden.

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On field, there were players rejected from the national team trying to fight their way back, trying to prove they were still relevant to Indian hockey. To that effect, players like Gurbaj Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Ignace Tirkey and Shivendra Singh managed to show the sparks that made them so important to the national team not so long ago, and reiterate there was still enough hockey left in them.

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Off field, things were more interesting. Players like Deepak Thakur and Viren Rasquinha, part of the rebel World Series Hockey – Deepak, in fact, was captain of the Punjab team that won the inaugural edition of the WSH – are part of the commentary panel of the official broadcasters, Start Sports. Others, like former Director of Punjab Sports Department and India captain Pargat Singh, are known Hockey India baiters. And then there is someone like Jugraj Singh, who was removed from the national team management for “not having the right attitude with the players”.
This motley bunch is now part of a professional franchise-based league sanctioned and operated by Hockey India, and things seem to be working fine. There seemed an uneasy relationship between these former players, who are working for the broadcaster Star Sports, and HI officials, but as long as it is a win-win situation for both sides, there will be peace.

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“I am here as a professional, contracted by the broadcaster and signed up for commentary of the games. I have nothing to do with the administrative rift between federations. I offer my services to the highest bidder. When WSH came, they offered a good deal and I accepted. Now, I am offering my services to these people. What’s wrong in that?” Deepak Thakur, former India player.

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“We have not been told anything by the team management but I am not sure of whether they will play us in our first match (on January 16). It is a little tense but there have been no problems at all from the team management or franchise’s side. Let’s see what happens. It’s not up to the players or even the teams, I guess it is the league officials as a whole who will take the call. We have to be here till February 10 but that is if we are allowed to play. I have no idea what will happen at the moment.” Imran Butt, Pakistan goalkeeper with the Mumbai Magicians side

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“It’s a very good thing, this league, but it will be very tiring and a real test f stamina and staying power. As a commentator, I am not going to get to stay at any venue for more than 48 hours and there is a lot of travel involved. For the players, it will be even tougher, since they have to not only travel as much, maybe even more, but also include training schedules, team meetings and playing time in between. More than the actual games, it will be these things that will be the real test for the players in the league.” Jugraj Singh, former India player and coach.