It’s all change as international hockey is undergoing a makeover by doing away with historic competitions to make way for a new global league. Express caught up with new CEO Jason McCracken to understand what will happen over the next two-three years.
What prompted the sudden change?
We had the Champions Trophy, Champions Challenge, Hockey World League, World Cup and the Olympics. So many events made it confusing to understand them all. We’ve tried to clean the slate and were left with two products, the Olympics and World Cup. To that, we’ve added a new competition.
What’s the basic premise of the new league?
The concept is to have between seven and nine countries (in both men and women) in a tournament. They’re going through a nomination process and at the executive board meeting in June, we’ll decide the sides. Teams who’re in will play one match in their home country and the second one against the same country away. It’ll culminate in a top four, who will play in a grand final at a single venue.
Is there a danger of putting all your eggs in one basket?
The good thing about hockey is that it’s constantly changing... Finding new things. We can’t stay where we are because other sports are doing the same. Of course, we have to preserve the important events. But to clear the space, we had to make changes.
What about the World League, why is that also being discontinued only after a few years?
It started with the small countries, who were able to progress to certain levels but then there were just so many competitions that it all proved to be confusing. The World League will exist in some form for these countries, however.
Will the upcoming league also be a qualifier for the Olympics and World Cup?
Yes, a set number of teams (the top four or five) will qualify automatically, but the continental championships are as important as ever. Teams who win the five continental championships will get direct entry. The make-up of teams at the Olympics and World Cup will be from the new league and the continental championships. In the case of overlapping (teams who qualify from multiple avenues), the next tier of events will create opportunities for other teams.
Will there be a window for the HIL under the new calendar?
We are in discussions with Hockey India, and there is talk of moving it to December, but nothing is confirmed. We’re yet to talk to the Europeans, who play most of their leagues at the end of the year. But the HIL will continue to be a part of the FIH calendar.
Where does Pakistan figure in the scheme of things?
They have applied to be a part of the new league, and we need to try and find creative solutions for teams who don’t want to travel to Pakistan. Cricket has successfully managed to do that, and we want to have an open mind.
swaroop@newindianexpress.com