New Zealand’s withdrawal opens door for Pakistan; PHF faces uphill task amid financial woes
DNA
ISLAMABAD: July 23, 2025 — In what could potentially mark a defining moment in Pakistan’s hockey history, the country is set to receive a formal invitation to compete in the 2026 edition of the FIH Pro League, the International Hockey Federation’s premier global competition. The opportunity has arisen following New Zealand’s official withdrawal from the tournament due to financial constraints.
New Zealand, winners of the 2025 FIH Nations Cup, were initially slated to participate in the 2026 Pro League. However, after missing the FIH’s July 21 deadline to confirm participation, the Kiwis formally informed the federation of their inability to manage the financial demands of the elite competition.
“Yes, we have received written confirmation from Hockey New Zealand that they will not be in a position to compete in the 2026 Pro League,” a senior FIH official confirmed. “As per the structure, the next-in-line, in this case, Pakistan — the silver medalist of the 2025 Nations Cup — will be officially offered the place, along with a formal deadline to confirm their acceptance.”
Pakistan’s return to the FIH Pro League, after years in the international wilderness, could mark a long-awaited comeback for a nation that once dominated world hockey. Once the proud home of multiple World Cup and Olympic titles, Pakistan has gradually slipped from the top tier due to internal mismanagement, dwindling investment, and the rise of professionalism in other countries’ hockey setups.
The FIH Pro League features top-ranked international sides battling it out in a competitive home-and-away format. Beyond prestige and exposure, participation provides vital ranking points, financial opportunities, and a more direct pathway to Olympic qualification — all of which could breathe new life into Pakistan hockey if managed correctly.
However, the opportunity does not come without substantial challenges. According to sources within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), participation in the 2026 Pro League will require an estimated budget of Rs 600 million. The costs include international travel for multiple legs of the league, accommodation, team allowances, training camps, and hosting home matches against some of the world’s best sides.
“The cost of participation is significant, but so are the potential returns in terms of player development, international visibility, and the revival of the sport’s image in Pakistan,” said a former PHF official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But unless the federation secures immediate and transparent financial backing, this opportunity may slip away like many others before it.”
The PHF has long been under fire for its administrative inefficiencies and lack of long-term planning. Critics argue that mismanagement and factionalism within the federation have been key reasons for the decline of hockey in Pakistan. Frequent changes in leadership, delayed domestic calendars, and opaque financial dealings have alienated sponsors and government backers alike.
While the current PHF leadership maintains that efforts are underway to streamline operations and restore public trust, many stakeholders remain skeptical. “Even if Pakistan is offered the Pro League spot, the question remains: Is the PHF prepared administratively and financially to take this on?” asked a senior sports journalist.
In past instances, Pakistan has had to withdraw from international events, including the Pro League itself, due to lack of preparation or financial support. A repeat of such missteps in 2026 would not only damage the country’s credibility on the global stage but could also lead to sanctions from the FIH.
To seize this moment, the PHF will need immediate financial backing, ideally from a combination of federal support and private sponsorship. Government funding has been irregular in recent years, while corporate sponsors remain wary of investing without structural reforms and financial transparency.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have both voiced general support for reviving national sports, but concrete commitments for hockey have yet to materialize. Some analysts believe that a formal FIH invitation might provide the spark needed to push the government and potential sponsors into action.
For Pakistan, participation in the 2026 FIH Pro League isn’t just about joining a tournament — it’s about reclaiming a lost legacy. It’s an opportunity to re-establish itself among the hockey elite, inspire a new generation of players, and restore public faith in the sport that once brought the nation global glory.
But the road ahead is steep and will require decisive action, strategic planning, and above all, a transparent and competent administration.
As Pakistan awaits the official invitation from the FIH, the spotlight turns to the PHF — will it rise to the occasion or fumble yet another opportunity?
