Hockey in a new Avatar

Cricket has changed itself from Test Cricket to One Dayers and then to T-20 and perhaps this is the reason it continued its popularity in all its formats.Now the same thing is being done in the Hockey.The popularity of cricket in all the formats has motivated the Hockey community to organize the 9-a side tournament in Perth in Australia which is going to happen from 20th to 23rd of October.
In T-20 cricket generally the viewers see the rain of fours and sixes.Similarly in this new format of Hockey the audiences will see the rain of goals.In the Men category the participants are India,Pakistan,Australia and Newzealand.In the women category India will take part along with Australia and Malaysia.The Indian Male team is headed by Bharat Chhetri while the skipper of the women team is Saba Anjum.
Some interesting features have been incorporated in this format to make it more attractive.In it the Goalpost will be 1 metre more broad than usual which consequently will help in scoring of more goals.Out of the 9 players 2 will always be in the attacking half.Foot faults will be made more liberalized to reduce unnecessary stoppages during the action.Space and stamina will be the essence in this form of hockey.In this format that team will be more successful which will plan its strategy accordingly.Substitute can be taken anytime in this version.
So now the thing which is to be seen is the reception of this new format by the viewers.If this will become successful than it can inspire the International Hockey Federation to induct some more interesting features.The success and failure of this format will have some direct effects on the brand image of this game.But that is the thing for which we will have to wait.Till then enjoy the game.