The Pakistan hockey team could be returning to elite competition soon after the official confirmation that the FIH will extend an invitation to the PHF for the team’s participation in the Pro League.
The development comes after New Zealand, who had earned the promotion after winning the Nations Cup, pulled out of participating in the Pro League. The decision was reportedly prompted by a sweeping cut in government funding, leaving Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) unable to justify the costs of competing in a demanding international calendar.
That development has left the FIH scrambling to identify a replacement, and according to the competition’s rules, the next team in line is Pakistan, who had reached the final in Malaysia. But Pakistan’s return to the Pro League for the first time since the tournament’s inception isn’t guaranteed either, as the PHF continues to battle a financial crisis as well.
PHF Secretary General Rana Mujahid has already confirmed that an annual budget of PKR 750 million (approx. USD 2.5 million) is required to run hockey operations “properly,” including player salaries, travel, training, and international participation. That demand comes amidst an open rebellion by the players who are still awaiting their dues.
If Pakistan also fails to confirm its availability soon, the FIH may look to the next eligible team — France, who finished third at the Nations Cup. The French Hockey Federation, while not free from its own financial limitations, is believed to be better positioned to meet the Pro League’s travel and logistics demands.
The FIH is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming days, but the urgency is now squarely in Pakistan’s court.
For Pakistan, this is more than just a shot at playing in the Pro League, it’s a potential revival of its storied hockey legacy. Once Olympic and World Cup champions, Pakistan’s fall from grace in the sport has been staggering. A return to the Pro League could mean regular competition against the world’s best, improved visibility, and perhaps, fresh corporate sponsorship, all desperately needed to breathe life into the national program.
If Pakistan want to be back on hockey’s top table, the time to act is now and the fans of the sport are eagerly watching.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.