(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Eyes Return to FIH Pro League as Official Decision Nears
Pakistan’s hockey fans have reason to celebrate as the national team moves closer to a potential return to elite international competition through the FIH Pro League 2025–26.
According to sports journalist Sohail Imran, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has received positive indications regarding the team’s possible inclusion in the prestigious league. While the final decision is still pending, official confirmation is expected in the coming days. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has set August 12 as the deadline for Pakistan to accept the formal invitation.
The PHF remains hopeful, and sources close to the matter suggest that the decision may already be confirmed. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped in to assist with funding—an essential factor that had previously complicated Pakistan’s participation.
Pakistan’s potential entry follows recent changes in the international hockey scene. New Zealand’s men’s team withdrew from the FIH Pro League due to financial constraints tied to cuts in their Olympic budget. This withdrawal opened up a spot, and Pakistan—having finished as runners-up in the FIH Nations Cup—emerged as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy.
While funding challenges had cast doubt over Pakistan’s ability to accept the invitation, recent developments appear to have paved the way for a positive outcome. If confirmed, Pakistan will join top-tier hockey nations including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain in the 2025–26 edition of the FIH Pro League.
An official announcement is expected by the end of the week, and excitement is building among fans eager to see the “green shirts” return to hockey’s global stage.
