Pakistan's FIH Pro League fate hangs in the balance

Pakistan will have to wait for three more weeks to know about its FIH Pro League participation chances as world hockey governing body (FIH) have approved the request of New Zealand Hockey for extension of the deadline to confirm or decline its participation in the FIH Pro League.

According to the FIH, New Zealand Hockey has been given deadline of July 21 to confirm its participation in the league. In case New Zealand Hockey is unable to confirm its team’s participation in the Pro League then the recently held FIH Nations Cup runners-up Pakistan will have the opportunity to take part in the league in which the world’s leading teams feature.

“On the men’s side following the Black Sticks' victory at the recent Nations Cup in Malaysia, FIH has extended an invitation to Hockey New Zealand for their men’s team to join Pro League again next season. Since New Zealand’s hockey governing body is currently undertaking a thorough analysis and decision-making process in this regard, FIH has approved their request for an extension of the deadline to confirm or decline their participation until 21 July,” FIH said.

“Should New Zealand eventually decide to not participate, the runners-up of the Men’s Nations Cup, namely Pakistan, would have the opportunity to consider joining the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League season,” FIH added.

New Zealand recently defeated Pakistan 6-2 in the final of the FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur to qualify for the Pro League. However, due to financial reasons New Zealand was unable to confirm its participation in the earlier deadline. Then it requested the world body for extension of the deadline and FIH approved that.

The outcome has also provided Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) with a sufficient time to discuss the matter with its Patron-in-Chief, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, in order to pave the way to avail the chance if New Zealand is unable to confirm its participation.

FIH have already extended an invitation to Pakistan as Nations Cup runners-up.

PHF has already said that it will need at least $2.5 million for participation in the league.

The other day during an interview with Nukta PHF chief Tariq Hussain Bugti showed great interest in fielding his team in the league if it gets the opportunity if New Zealand does not confirm.

"The event is very important for us. If we feature in it, we will improve our ranking. The players will get exposure and if we think about the game and its revival and the players then we should participate in the FIH Pro League if we get the chance," Bugti said.