The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced that the national junior squad’s participation in next year’s Junior World Cup in India would require a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the federal government. PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid shared this update during a press briefing in Lahore on Tuesday.
Rana Mujahid emphasized that the government would decide whether Pakistan’s junior hockey team would travel to India for the World Cup. He clarified that, unlike cricket, no hybrid model has been proposed or discussed for hockey tournaments.
In cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been unable to finalize the Champions Trophy schedule due to India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggested a hybrid model, proposing that India’s matches be held in the UAE while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan. This two-way hybrid model stipulates that Pakistan would also avoid traveling to India for any ICC events until 2027.
If this arrangement is upheld, it could influence Pakistan hockey’s participation in the Junior World Cup as well.
Pakistan secured their spot in the Junior World Cup by finishing as runners-up in the Asia Cup held in Oman. The Green Shirts displayed a strong performance throughout the tournament but fell to India in the final, losing 5-3.
Rana Mujahid also announced that the National Senior Hockey Championship would take place in Karachi from December 27 to January 8. He expressed hope that the Sindh government would release the PHF’s annual grant soon, ensuring the smooth organization of the championship.