The future of Hockey India League (HIL)is up for deliberation at Hockey India's Annual General Meeting on July 24 but franchises wanting to pull out will lose their bank guarantees.
As per some media reports, Hockey India has informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that there will be no HIL in 2018 because of financial concerns related to some franchises.
But a top HI official rubbished the speculations and said that no such communication has been passed on to the world body even though they are contemplating a change in the timing of the franchise-based league.
The source said there isn't even one franchise that has said that it will not be taking part in next year's league.
"No franchise has expressed any serious reservation as of now although some obstacles arise every year. The franchise doesn't have the option of pulling out now as the three-month window for withdrawal after every edition, has expired. If they do it now, their bank guarantee stands forfeited," the top official said on condition of anonymity.
The official said that since FIH's new Hockey Pro League is slated to be held at the start of the year from 2019, HIL organisers are thinking of postponing the dates of the franchise-based event to November-December from 2018.
"Let
India thrash Pakistan yet again in Hockey World League Semis
Sardar Singh questioned by UK police
HWL Semi-final: India hockey team wear black arm bands
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for Sardar Singh?
Kalinga Lancers thrash Dabang Mumbai to win maiden HIL title