The Federation Internationale de Hockey's (FIH) Executive Board on Monday approved the principles of the match schedule for the 2020 and 2021 season.
The board approved the principles of match schedule based on the recommendation from the 'National Associations' participating in the FIH PRO League.
As per the new principles, the League competition will be maintained within the first six months of every year and all the games will remain "home games".
As per the new recommendation, the home and away principle is kept too but this principle will now be split over two consecutive seasons and work according to the following example:
In 2020, Team A will host Team B twice within a couple of days.
In 2021, Team B will host Team A twice within a couple of days.
This scheme reduces half the travel of the teams compared to the current format, therefore decreasing costs for teams, benefitting athletes' welfare and reducing the impact on the environment.
The Executive Board also confirmed that India's Men team will be joining the FIH Pro League from 2020 on, as this was unanimously supported by the other participating National Associations.
"It's great that India will join the FIH Pro League already next year. There is such a passion for hockey in the country that it will add a lot to our newest competition," FIH CEO Thierry Weil said.
"Furthermore, FIH would like to thank all participating National Associations who, by agreeing on a common scheme for the 2020 and 2021 calendars, have once again shown the solidarity of the global hockey community and their utmost will to grow the sport together," he added.
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