Pakistan to Face India in Pro League Following Acceptance of Invitation

LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Thursday that the Pakistan men’s hockey team has accepted its invitation to compete in the Pro League 2025-26 season.

After Hockey New Zealand withdrew from the nine-team competition despite winning the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia earlier this year, the Green Shirts received a formal invitation from the main governing body to participate in the esteemed ‘League of the Best.’

Initially, the PHF had until August 12 to confirm the participation of its national men’s team. However, the federation requested an extension until August 20 while awaiting financial assistance from the government.

The federation then received Rs250m for the event on Wednesday, leading to confirmation of the men’s team’s participation the following day.

“The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirms that the Pakistan men’s hockey team, known as the Green Shirts, has accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” the governing body stated.

Pakistan will join rivals India, along with Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain in the seventh edition of the tournament. They will replace Ireland, who were demoted after finishing last in the previous season.

The Green Shirts’ involvement in the competition ensures a match against traditional rivals India, who narrowly avoided demotion last season, finishing just above Ireland.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram voiced his excitement about Pakistan joining the Pro League, noting that it would significantly benefit the team, which has a long and distinguished history, and would increase tournament viewership.

“It’s great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – this is a truly impactful moment for world hockey,” Ikram said in a released statement.

“Their comeback marks not only the return of a team with such a rich history but also an exciting boost to the visibility and reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League. I can already foresee greater interest in 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 first time. This achievement strongly demonstrates how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport encourages growth and provides a clear path to the top.”

Notably, Pakistan was scheduled to participate in the inaugural edition of the FIH Pro League in 2019 but withdrew from their first three matches against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, citing ‘unavoidable circumstances,’ which resulted in their suspension from the remainder of the tournament.