The International Hockey Federation has confirmed that the Pakistan men’s hockey team have accepted FIH’s invitation to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League, where the Green Shirts will be making their debut.
The confirmation also means that Pakistan will play two matches against arch-rivals India, a highly anticipated fixture in international hockey. The exact venues for the India vs Pakistan matches have yet to be determined, with fans awaiting further details from the FIH and their respective national hockey federations.
Pakistan were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Malaysia earlier this year. Whilst New Zealand won that event against Pakistan in the final, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join Pro League this time. Therefore, as stipulated in the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up, namely Pakistan, who have confirmed their participation.
Pakistan will join India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming men’s season of the FIH Hockey Pro League – the seventh edition of the competition. They will replace Ireland who were relegated at the end of the previous season, following their ninth place finish in the league.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram said: “Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – 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. I can already anticipate an enhanced visibility of the Pro League with Pakistan’s participation. 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.”
