Australian Olympian Tom Craig one of 12 Kookaburras to land Hockey India League deals at auction

Australian hockey star Tom Craig has landed a lucrative playing contract despite serving a six-month ban after attempting to buy cocaine at the Paris Olympics.

Australian hockey star Tom Craig has secured a $35,000 payday to play in the Indian Hockey League despite serving a six-month ban after attempting to buy cocaine at the Paris Olympics.

Craig was one of 12 Australian men who were snapped up in auctions overnight for the prestigious tournament, being taken by the Tamil Nadu Dragons for 20 lakhs.

Darwin-based defender Jeremy Hayward led the way for the Kookaburras players, securing a $74,116 contract with the Soorman Hockey Club.

The tournament will be held from December 28 to February 1 and is another way for Australia’s players to supplement their annual income in a sport where they receive only modest reward as Kookaburras players.

Craig was recently handed a 12-month suspension from Australian hockey (with six months suspended) after he was caught attempting to buy cocaine in the days after the Kookaburras lost in the quarterfinals of the Paris tournament.

But under the provisions of his suspension, his ban only extends to Australian hockey.

Immediately after the Paris tournament Craig left for Europe to play club hockey, and his participation in India is not affected by his Australian ban.

Hockey Australia’s statement on his ban in September stated: “During the suspension, Craig will be prohibited from playing in any match, competition, or event at any level sanctioned or organised by Hockey Australia, including the upcoming Hockey One League and FIH Pro League seasons. Additionally, Craig is required to complete mandatory training and education programs as part of his sanction”.

Craig apologised for his actions after being arrested and then eventually released without charge while in Paris.

“I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions. My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”

Hayward’s payday came only a year after he was awarded the title of the game’s best defender at the 2023 world cup.

“It was a nice little surprise yesterday,” Jeremy Hayward said.

“These auctions can sometimes be down to a bit of luck and to be drawn on the first day definitely helps. I love playing in India and I’m excited to meet my new team and play in the Hockey India League for Soorma Hockey Club.”

Fellow defender Hayden Beltz was auctioned off for $22,929 to the Kolkata-based Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.

He will join Lithgow midfielder Lachlan Sharp ($31,777), with the pair selected by former Kookaburras coach Colin Batch, the team’s new coach after stepping down from his Australian obligations.

Australian captain Aran Zalewski will be paid $47,666 to play for the Kalinga Lancers, while striker Blake Govers also secured a $47,666 payday to play for Craig’s Tamil Nadu Dragons.