KARACHI – In a significant development for Pakistani field hockey, the national men’s team has received an official invitation to participate in the FIH Pro League 2025-26, following New Zealand’s withdrawal from the upcoming season.
According to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Pakistan has been selected to fill the vacant spot left by New Zealand, who had secured their place by winning the 2024-25 FIH Nations Cup but have since opted out. The formal invitation was extended on Wednesday, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) given until August 12 to confirm participation.
Pakistan’s Big Break in Global Hockey
Should Pakistan accept the offer, it will mark their first-ever appearance in the prestigious FIH Pro League—an annual elite-level hockey competition that brings together the top nine international teams in both men’s and women’s categories.
Pakistan’s inclusion comes on the heels of a strong performance in the Nations Cup, where they finished runners-up, losing to New Zealand 6-2 in the final held in Malaysia. Per tournament regulations, the spot goes to the second-placed team if the winner cannot participate.
What is the FIH Pro League?
Launched in 2019, the FIH Hockey Pro League serves as a global stage for the best national teams. Each participating team plays a total of 16 matches during the season. At the end, the team with the highest points is declared the champion, while the lowest-ranked side is relegated to the Nations Cup. Conversely, the Nations Cup winner is promoted to the Pro League.
Significantly, the 2025-26 edition will also function as a qualifier for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, making it a pivotal event in the international hockey calendar.
Past Champions and Tournament History
The Netherlands has been the most dominant force since the tournament’s inception. The Dutch women’s team has claimed five titles, while their male counterparts have taken home three championships. Both teams currently hold the defending champion status.
A Chance for Pakistan vs India Hockey Rivalry
If Pakistan agrees to join the 2025-26 Pro League, fans will be treated to two high-stakes matches against traditional rivals India, as part of the round-robin format.
India’s men’s team, which entered the league in 2020-21, narrowly escaped relegation in the most recent season, finishing eighth. Meanwhile, India’s women’s team, after a strong debut with a third-place finish in 2021-22, faced relegation after ending at the bottom in the 2024-25 edition.
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