Saffron Jersey Sparks Fallout: Hockey India Drops Its Director General

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Sep 13, 2026 1,800 Views

Hockey India has stripped Director General R.K. Srivastava of all powers and served him an eight-point show-cause notice. The disciplinary move addresses recurring administrative non-compliance, unauthorized World Cup travel, and the controversial, unconsulted transition of the national team's playing jersey to an orange colorway.

NEW DELHI — Hockey India officially relieved Director General Commander R.K. Srivastava of all executive powers and responsibilities with immediate effect, issuing a detailed show-cause notice encompassing eight serious operational lapses. The disciplinary action follows months of internal administrative friction, prominently featuring the controversial transition of the national team's playing jersey to an orange colourway.

The legal notice, sent on behalf of Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey through counsel, highlights multiple instances of alleged insubordination and unilateral decision-making. Central to the dispute was the unconsulted rollout of the new saffron playing kit, alongside Srivastava's unauthorized travel to the World Cup in Europe in direct defiance of presidential directives.

Unilateral Decisions and Directive Disobedience

According to the terms of the notice, the decision to alter the national team's traditional blue strip to orange—implemented under the pretext of improved visual performance—was executed without securing prior approval or formal sanction from the elected Executive Committee or the President's office. Furthermore, the charges cite direct non-compliance regarding international travel, noting that Srivastava traveled to the World Cup venues in the Netherlands and Belgium despite explicit instructions to remain in India to manage Hockey India League (HIL) franchise coordination and core domestic portfolios.

The administrative review also encompasses lapses in handling internal disciplinary matters, external federation communications with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), and oversight of player conduct during international tours. Srivastava has been given a four-week window to submit a formal defense supported by official records, failing which the disciplinary committee will proceed based on existing documentation.

According to official legal notices, executive board disclosures, and federation filings:

Executive Removal: Cdr. R.K. Srivastava stripped of all operational, financial, administrative, and representational authority.
Core Charges: Includes the unapproved rollout of the saffron jersey, unauthorized World Cup travel, and governance non-compliance.
Response Window: Four weeks granted to reply to the eight-point show-cause notice under Hockey India bye-laws.
Interim Protocol: Mandatory handover of official records, credentials, and pending administrative files to a designated presidential appointee.

Official Sources Section

Hockey India Executive Disclosures: Official administrative orders, presidential directives, and governance notices.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India: National sports federation compliance guidelines, operational transparency frameworks, and code of conduct regulations.

Quote Section

"According to legal notices served by Hockey India, all administrative and executive powers of the Director General have ceased with immediate effect to preserve institutional discipline, transparency, and accountability."

Why It Matters

For national sports administration, the high-profile suspension underlines the strict governance boundaries expected between elected executive leadership and executive staff. For players and fans, the resolution of internal administrative gridlocks ensures greater transparency regarding national team branding, tournament preparations, and federation management.

Key Facts at a Glance

Target Official: Cdr. R.K. Srivastava (Director General, Hockey India).
Action Taken: Removal of executive powers and issuance of an eight-point show-cause notice.
Key Trigger: Unapproved saffron jersey rollout and direct disobedience of travel directives.
Issuing Authority: Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey.

FAQ Session

Why was Hockey India Director General R.K. Srivastava removed?

Srivastava was stripped of his powers due to repeated non-compliance with presidential directives, unauthorized international travel, and executing major structural decisions—such as the saffron jersey change—without executive committee approval.

What specific policy violation triggered the jersey controversy?

The playing kit was shifted to an orange color scheme without prior consultation or formal clearance from the President or elected Executive Committee members.

What happens next in the disciplinary process?

Srivastava has been given four weeks to submit a formal written response and supporting documents to the eight charges, after which further action under Hockey India bye-laws will be determined.

Where can stakeholders review official federation governance guidelines?

Standard operating procedures and national federation updates are accessible via the Hockey India Official Portal.