Lausanne, July 23, 2025: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially invited the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to participate in the upcoming edition of the prestigious Hockey Pro League, following New Zealand’s withdrawal due to financial constraints.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the FIH confirmed that New Zealand — the winners of last month’s FIH Nations Cup — declined participation in the Pro League, commonly referred to as the “League of the Best.” Consequently, the runners-up, Pakistan, were extended a formal invitation to fill the vacant spot.
The PHF has been given until August 12 to confirm whether it will accept the invitation.
Earlier reports revealed that Hockey New Zealand, which was initially given a deadline of July 21 to respond, cited severe financial limitations as the primary reason for its withdrawal. Budget cuts during the current Olympic cycle have forced the federation to make tough decisions — including pulling both its men’s and women’s teams from the Pro League.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s participation is uncertain due to the PHF’s ongoing financial crisis. Sources close to the federation say that national team players have yet to receive their dues following the Nations Cup. Each player is reportedly owed around PKR 500,000 in unpaid daily allowances.
According to insiders, no international daily allowances were paid during the Nations Cup, nor have players received compensation for the two-phase training camps held in Islamabad. Players are entitled to PKR 30,000 per day for international matches and PKR 3,000 per day for domestic camps, but sources claim that communication from PHF officials has ceased entirely.
The growing frustration among players is evident, and the federation’s silence has only deepened the crisis. If the financial issues remain unresolved, Pakistan’s ability to accept the FIH invitation — and compete at the highest level — could be in jeopardy.
