THE HERO HOCKEY INDIA League (HIL) governing council has taken over operations of the UP Rudras franchise, which withdrew from the 2026 season citing financial challenges, to ensure that the players’ participation in the event is not affected.
The decision follows Rudras’ withdrawal from the league over financial sustainability concerns. While stepping away, the franchise stressed that its future focus will be on strengthening hockey at the grassroots through structured school and community programs, scouting and training initiatives, and development platforms that connect local talent with national recognition.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the HIL governing council declared: “The governing council will manage and run the new team’s affairs until a new franchise owner comes forward.
“The council remains open to discussions with interested parties who may wish to acquire the new franchise.”
Indian vice-captain Hardik Singh and Uttar Pradesh stalwart Lalit Upadhyay are among the players signed on with the team.
“This step has been taken to ensure that UP Rudras players participate in Hero HIL 2026 and to maintain the competitive balance of the league,” the statement further read.
The HIL, which was suspended in 2017 due to financial issues and non-cooperation from team owners, had returned earlier this year after being dormant for seven years.
The development coincided with the HIL 2026 Mini Auctions, where over 100 men’s and women’s players are up for grabs. With a salary cap of ₹4 crore for men’s teams and ₹2 crore for women’s, franchises were expected to tread carefully at the bidding table.
Each squad will comprise 20 players (including two goalkeepers and 18 outfield players), with a maximum of seven overseas recruits and at least three Indian juniors to provide opportunities for emerging talent.
The auction is has been run across three base-price slabs, ₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹10 lakh, with ₹2 lakh set as the minimum for both Indian and overseas players.
Pre-auction, franchises were informed they could only bid if they had sufficient purse balance and vacant slots and to ensure their remaining budget aligned with the number of players required to complete the squad.
