Lahore, August 28, 2025: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday confirmed that Pakistan’s men’s hockey team will compete in the 2025–26 FIH Pro League, marking the Green Shirts’ long-awaited return to world hockey’s elite competition.
Pakistan were extended a formal invitation after Hockey New Zealand withdrew from the nine-team event, despite having won the FIH Nations Cup earlier this year in Malaysia.
Initially, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was asked to confirm participation by August 12. However, it sought an extension until August 20 while awaiting government financial assistance. On Wednesday, the government released Rs250 million, enabling PHF to confirm Pakistan’s participation the following day.
“The Pakistan men’s team, nicknamed the Green Shirts, have accepted the invitation to participate in the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League,” the FIH said in an official statement.
The upcoming season, the tournament’s seventh edition, will feature Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and India, alongside Pakistan, who replace relegated Ireland.
The Green Shirts’ return also revives their storied rivalry with India, who narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing just above bottom-ranked Ireland.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram hailed Pakistan’s return as a major milestone:
“Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – this is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey. Their return not only revives a team with a rich and storied history but also boosts the visibility and reach of the Pro League.”
He added that Pakistan’s qualification through the FIH Nations Cup demonstrates how creating opportunities across all levels of hockey helps teams progress naturally to the top tier.
Pakistan were originally part of the inaugural Pro League in 2019, but withdrew from their opening fixtures against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand citing “inevitable circumstances.” The withdrawal led to their suspension from the remainder of the tournament.
The 2025–26 season now offers Pakistan a chance at redemption, as they rejoin the “League of the Best” with a new opportunity to showcase their potential against the world’s top teams.
