After Hockey New Zealand notified the International Hockey Federation (FIH) of their decision not to participate in the next FIH Hockey Pro League Men’s season despite having won the FIH Hockey Nations Cup last month, FIH has, in accordance with the regulations, extended an invitation to the Nations Cup runners-up, namely Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition.
The Pakistan Hockey Association (PHA) has been given a deadline of 12 August to inform FIH of their decision to accept or deny the invitation. If Pakistan turns down the offer, France will take the vacant spot in the league.
Per Pakistani media reports, Pakistan’s entry into the league hinges on government support, as playing home and away matches against top teams would require the cash-strapped PHA to cough up around PKR 700 million ($2.5m).
The 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League crowned both Dutch teams, women’s and men’s, as champions. The upcoming season will be the seventh one of the “League of the Best”.
