Pakistan Govt to Decide Fate of National Hockey Team’s Pro League Return

The fate of Pakistan hockey now rests with the government.

By DTD- On Jul 24, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The future of Pakistan’s participation in the prestigious FIH Pro League now rests in the hands of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has formally decided to send a proposal seeking the federal government’s financial support for the country’s return to top-flight international hockey.

The development came during the 34th PSB board meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting focused on a range of administrative and policy issues in Pakistani sports, with hockey’s potential inclusion in the FIH Pro League 2025–26 emerging as a headline concern.

The FIH has officially extended an invite to Pakistan this week to join the next edition of the Pro League after New Zealand pulled out, citing budget cuts, but participation comes with a hefty price tag, which the PHF is unable to bear alone.

According to PHF’s estimates, around Rs700 million (approximately USD 2.5 million) would be required to cover travel, logistics, training, and match expenses for the home-and-away league for the Pakistan Hockey team that will run from December 2025 to June 2026. With no funding available from the PSB’s current budget, the board unanimously agreed that the matter should be escalated to the Prime Minister’s Office.

While the PHF is eager to seize the opportunity, uncertainty continues to linger due to tensions between the federation and the PSB over financial transparency. PSB has already sought detailed audits of funds provided to the PHF in the past 12 months after the players complained of non-payment of their salaries.

The Pakistan hockey team faced a similar situation after withdrawing from the Pro League in 2019 at the last minute due to funding issues. The fallout included a fine of 170,000 euros imposed by the FIH and embarrassment on the global stage. This time, officials are cautious not to repeat that misstep.

Pakistan has until August 12 to reply to FIH.

If Pakistan accepts the invitation, the national team will compete against the sport’s elite, and for a nation looking to rebuild its once-mighty hockey legacy, the Pro League offers not only world-class exposure, but also a pathway to greater development and visibility.

The fate of Pakistan hockey now rests with the government. With a proud hockey history and a chance to re-enter the global elite, all eyes are now on the Prime Minister’s Office to deliver a verdict that could shape the next era of Pakistan hockey.