FIH Sets August 12 Deadline for PHF to Confirm Pro League Participation

LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially invited the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to participate in the Hockey Pro League. The invitation was extended on Wednesday.

The global federation stated that Hockey New Zealand has opted out of the competition, despite their victory at the FIH Nations Cup last month.

Consequently, the FIH has invited Pakistan, the Nations Cup runners-up, to fill the vacancy. The PHF has until August 12 to decide whether to accept the invitation.

It was previously reported that Hockey New Zealand, with a confirmation deadline of July 21, officially withdrew from the ‘League of the Best,’ primarily due to financial difficulties, creating an opening for another team.

Reports suggest that New Zealand has significantly reduced its budget for the current Olympic cycle, forcing the federation to make tough choices.

New Zealand had previously decided not to send its women’s team to the Pro League due to similar financial constraints.

The PHF has also been grappling with financial issues since the Nations Cup, with players still awaiting payment of their outstanding dues.

Sources indicate that each player is owed around PKR 500,000 in unpaid daily allowances.

These sources also mentioned that there has been no progress in resolving the matter, and PHF officials have ceased communication.

Furthermore, international daily allowances were not disbursed during the FIH Nations Cup, causing growing discontent among the players. The federation’s continued silence has exacerbated their frustration.

Additionally, players have not received allowances for training camps held in Islamabad in two phases.

Sources noted that players are entitled to PKR 30,000 per day for international duties and PKR 3,000 per day for domestic activities.