Pakistan Not Invited to FIH Pro League So Far, Confirms Federation

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal)-Despite claims by Pakistani officials that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is in contact with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding potential participation in the FIH Pro League, an FIH official has clarified that no formal invitation has been extended to any team to replace New Zealand at this stage.

On Thursday, PHF Secretary addressed the media alongside officials from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), discussing the possibility of Pakistan’s inclusion in the league and the financial requirements involved. He reiterated that the PHF remains in communication with the FIH on the matter.

Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League is contingent on receiving government funds, officials from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) said on Thursday.

Yasir Pirzada, Director General of the PSB, said that around $2.5 million is needed for Pakistan to join the Pro League. He added that the PHF has submitted a proposal to the federal government and that the matter is being reviewed following instructions from the Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah.

Pirzada emphasized that although cricket remains the most popular sport in Pakistan, hockey is the national sport and deserves priority support. He also mentioned that the charges for the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium have been increased to cover operational costs, and the fee structure for hockey clubs will be reviewed.

PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid said the federation is actively communicating with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding Pakistan’s participation. He noted that the FIH has set a three-day deadline for Pakistan to confirm its involvement. Mujahid also said that PHF has reached out to Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for assistance and hopes the government and Prime Minister will support the team.

He highlighted the financial challenges Pakistan faces compared to other countries, mentioning that India receives a much larger annual grant for hockey. Mujahid reassured that the PHF is committed to following all guidelines set by the government and sports authorities.

If the government approves the funding, Pakistan will be able to compete in the Pro League. However, failure to confirm participation after agreeing could result in sanctions from the FIH.

However,PVT TV received a communication from the FIH stating that the federation is not yet at the stage of inviting the Nations Cup runner-up to join the Pro League.

FIH Senior Communications Manager Nicolas Maingot also dismissed reports of Pakistan being invited to the tournament as “untrue.”

“The process is as follows: The winners of the Nations Cup get the opportunity to join the Pro League for the next season. However, if that team declines, then the runner-up gets the opportunity,” Maingot explained.

“At the moment, we are not at that stage,” the FIH spokesperson added.

In an earlier communication with PVT TV Maingot confirmed that New Zealand has yet to update the FIH on its decision.

“As of Wednesday evening, we have not received Hockey New Zealand’s official stance,” he stated via email.

Reports suggest that due to government funding cuts, New Zealand may be unable to participate in the FIH Pro League, as they had also withdrawn from the previous edition.

It is understood that while no official invitation has been extended, there may have been preliminary discussions at the leadership level to gauge Pakistan’s readiness in case New Zealand declines participation.

Meanwhile, the secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation Rana Mujahid has confirmed  that FIH has, for now, asked Pakistan’s availability in case New Zealand pulls out.

“FIH asked us if we would be available and we have replied positively, while we are discussing our possibilities, we have also sought a response from FIH on New Zealand’s final stance on the matter so that we can be in position to make any decision on this,” he said.