FIH confirms Pakistan's participation in Pro League

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially confirmed that Pakistan has accepted the invitation to join the upcoming seventh edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League to be held in 2025-2026.

Although New Zealand won the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup held in Malaysia, Hockey New Zealand later declined the opportunity to take part in the Pro League. In accordance with tournament regulations the invitation was subsequently extended to the runners-up Pakistan who has now confirmed their participation.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed Pakistan’s return to elite hockey, calling it a milestone moment for the sport.

“Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition,” Tayyab Ikram said.

“This is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey. Their return marks not only the comeback of a team with such a rich and storied history but also an exciting boost to the visibility and reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” he said.

‘League of the Best’

“Congratulations to the Pakistan men’s team for qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and earning their place in the ‘League of the Best’ for the very first time. This achievement is a strong example of how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top.”

Pakistan will now compete alongside world-class teams such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming men’s Pro League season. They will take the place of Ireland, who were relegated after finishing ninth in the previous season.

“The FIH has expressed its excitement at Pakistan’s inclusion and looks forward to their contribution to the league’s competitive diversity and historic matchups. Further details regarding the schedule and host venues for the 2025–26 season will be announced in due course,” the world body said.

The federal government on Wednesday sanctioned Rs250 million for the brigade for its participation in the Pro League.

It’s a remarkable breakthrough for the national team which will get ample experience and will develop when it will play against the world’s top teams in the league which is played on home and away basis.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had been given a deadline of August 2 to confirm their entry which was latter extended to August 20. PHF then sought some more time as its talks with the state were underway and it was hoping for a huge breakthrough which eventually came the other day with the state approving the required funding for the team’s participation.

“It’s a huge breakthrough as it will help our team build further for future tough international challenges,” a Pakistan team official told Nukta.