Belgian forward Tom Boon emerged as the costliest player ever of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) at the bidding here on Saturday.
New outfit Dabang Mumbai acquired Boon for a whopping $103,000 for the 2015 season, against his base price of $20,000, netting him more than $25,000 per week in the four-week event.
Australian midfielder Matthew Swann, who was bagged by Mumbai for $78,000 was the second costliest, while star goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, bought by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for $69,000 (base price $26,000), was the most expensive Indian player, and third overall.
Altogether, 95 Indian players and 54 foreigners were available for the bidding.
In fact, the Mumbai outfit, which retained only four players from the old franchise, dominated the auction. The sidecoached by German Valentin Altenburg pocketed nine players out of the top-15 costliest names.
India junior defender and penalty-corner expert Harmanpreet Singh was purchased by Mumbai for a stunning $51,000 against his modest base price of $2,600.
The team, heavily relying on midfielders including some well-known Indian players like V.S. Vinaya, Arjun Halappa, Vikram Pillay, Chinglensana Singh, has also acquired some fine overseas professionals such as Dutchman Floris Evers, and Glenn Turner and Jeremy Hayward from Australia.
Altenburg said the new beginning was an “interesting challenge.”
The former German under-21 coach said he would look to bank on HIL’s popularity in his country and try to bring in some players and support staff for the 2016 season.
Another new franchise, Ranchi Rays, adopted a contrasting approach. It retained 18 players from the previous franchise while roping in only six new faces. Aussie forward Trent Milton ($67,000) turned out to be the costliest buy for the side, co-owned by M.S. Dhoni.
“I am a happy man. I got five out of six of our targets. The team had been playing well and there was no need to change the combination. Besides, Dhoni did not want the team changed entirely,” said Ranchi coach Harendra Singh.
Kalinga Lancers purchased four players, including drag-flicker Gurjinder Singh for $65,000 (base price $8,600).
Delhi Waveriders picked three players, including Kiwi Andrew Hayward for $41,000.
Wizards also got Dutchman Bob de Voogd for $31,000 and New Zealand’s Shea McAleese for $18,000.
Jaypee Punjab Warriors acquired young midfielder Simranjeet Singh for $24,000.
