Belgium forward Tom Boon today fetched the highest price in the closed bid for 2015 season of the Hero Hockey India League after he was bought by newcomers Dabang Mumbai for a whoppig USD 103,000.
Dabang Mumbai is being run by DoIT Sports Management who is the new owner of the franchise, earlier called 'Mumbai Magicians', owned by Dabur Group which pulled out of the third edition of HIL.
After the first two disappointing seasons, the Mumbai franchise was looking towards a fresh start in the HHIL and have put together a completely new, formidable side and also have roped in new coaching ste-up.
Unlike other six teams, Dabang Mumbai have exhausted their entire USD 7,50,000 purse and have managed to put together a competitive outfit which includes the likes of Boon, Australian Mathew Swann (the second highest purchased player at USD 78,000), Glenn Turner, David Harte, Floris Evers, Indian veterans Arjun Halappa and Bharat Chikara among others.
In today's closed bid there were 149 players, which includes 95 domestic and 54 foreign players, up for sale and Boon turned out to be the most sought-after player with a price tag of at USD 103000, which is the highest for any player in the HILL since its start.
Australian midfielder Swann, also picked by Dabang Mumbai, is the second highest at USD 78000, closely followed by Indian national team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who has been bought by Uttar Pradesh Wizards, for USD 69000.
Another new franchise Ranchi Rays going for Australian Striker, Trent Mitton for USD 67000.
Another new franchise, Ranchi Rays, who replaced inaugural HHIL champions Ranchi Rhinos, have retained most of the players who played in the earlier two editions of the league.
The Ranchi team, owned by India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, have made just six changes from previous Ranchi Rhinos squad and have roped in Australian duo of Trent Mitton (USD 67000) -- fourth highest bid player and Daniel Beale.
