The initial 28 contracts were signed between Hockey India and players in Pune yesterday with Shivendra signing the first contract, followed by Tushar and Yuvraj. Elena Norman (CEO, Hockey India) signed on behalf of Hockey India.
Next list of the players being signed up for Hockey India League will be announced shortly, a release said.
The inaugural Hockey India League will be played in six cities with six franchise based teams. Each team will have 24 players, including 10 foreign and 14 Indians. The players will be acquired in an auction.
"Till now 28 Indian players have made themselves available for the league. In total around 140 to 150 Indian players and 80 to 100 foreign players will sign up," Hockey India Secretary General Narendra Batra said.
"These players will be then put up for auction in September. Since it is a six team league, so in total 144 will represent six franchise," he added.