Pakistan’s hockey team’s hopes of making the FIH Pro League may not be over after all, with reports suggesting that the Green Shirts may find themselves playing in the top-tier competition in place of New Zealand.
Just days after their heartbreaking loss to the Black Sticks in the FIH Nations Cup final, Pakistan has the chance of replacing them in the Pro League if New Zealand pulls out due to financial problems.
According to reports, New Zealand’s hockey federation is struggling to secure enough funds to support a full-season campaign. If New Zealand formally withdraws from the Pro League and informs the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the vacant slot will likely go to Pakistan as the runners-up at the recent Nations Cup. Under FIH rules, the next-in-line team from the lower-tier competition is offered the chance to move up when a Pro League side drops out.
For Pakistan, this would mean a return to one of the world’s most prestigious hockey tournaments—a platform that features only the top-ranked teams and provides consistent high-level competition. Currently, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Netherlands, and Spain are listed as the Pro League teams.
Participation in the Pro League would be a huge step forward for Pakistan hockey, providing exposure, regular international matches, and an opportunity to further rebuild the team’s reputation.
Despite missing out on direct qualification, fate may be on Pakistan’s side this time. While nothing is confirmed yet, the door is now open for the former giants to restate their claim.
For Pakistan, this isn’t just about filling a vacancy—it’s about proving that they belong once again among the hockey elite.
Oh ALLAH, please let this be!
I felt so immensely happy when I read the news about our team securing the final spot in FIH Nations Cup last week. They did a tremendously superb job in the whole tournament, despite the fact that the whole team comprises of unknown faces.
None of them are as “famous” as our cricket “heroes”, who earns millions monthly through their PCB contracts and deals with brands.
Losing to New Zealand in the final was certainly heartbreaking but our boys need a big round of applause, along with all the support they can get, to keep them motivated.