The Hockey India League (HIL) has been dealt another blow with the withdrawal of Uttar Pradesh Rudras, citing financial sustainability concerns. This announcement comes just days before the scheduled mini-player auction on September 24, throwing the league into disarray.

UP Rudras' management decided to withdraw due to a lack of clarity from Hockey India regarding the league's financial projections. Team Director Cedric D'Souza stated that while they value the league's contribution to Indian hockey, the "sustainability challenges made continuation untenable". He added that their responsibility now is to direct resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact, which is grassroots development. The franchise emphasized that this withdrawal does not signal a retreat from the sport but rather a strategic pivot.

Owned by Yadu Sports Pvt. Ltd, UP Rudras finished fifth in the first season of the revamped HIL, which was held from December 2024 to February 2025. The team included prominent Indian and international players such as India's vice-captain Hardik Singh and recently retired forward Lalit Upadhyay, as well as England's Sam Ward, Belgium's Tanguy Cosyns, and the Netherlands' Lars Balk. Paul van Ass, formerly a coach for India and the Netherlands, coached them.

According to reports, teams spent approximately Rs 14 crore in the first season, including a Rs 7 crore franchise fee, a Rs 4 crore salary purse, and operational costs. A team official noted the difficulty for teams to continually lose such large amounts without clear long-term sustainability plans from Hockey India. Concerns about the fragile financial conditions of the league have been raised by several franchises.

Hardik Singh, the Indian Hockey Team vice-captain and UP Rudras player, expressed his honor in representing the Rudras and the unwavering loyalty of their fans. He affirmed his dedication to hockey and inspiring future athletes at the grassroots level. Lalit Upadhyay also highlighted the league's role and his commitment to nurturing the sport at the grassroots level in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

Following the exits of Team Gonasika and Odisha Warriors, UP Rudras is the third team to withdraw from the HIL after just one season. Unless a new entity steps in to fund the UP-based team or a new team is formed, their departure reduces the Hockey India League to a seven-team tournament.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated that they received an email from the team owners and are optimistic about finding a solution before the season starts and that the league will continue.