Key points
- New Zealand withdraws due to financial constraints
- Pakistan were runners-up in 2025 Nations Cup
- FIH deadline for PHF response is 12 August
- Pro League features world’s top nine national teams
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan hockey team has received an official invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to take part in the upcoming Hockey Pro League, scheduled for December this year.
Following Hockey New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the next #FIHProLeague Men’s season, FIH has extended an invitation to Pakistan, the Nations Cup runners-up to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition, with a deadline of 12 August to convey their decision.
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— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) July 23, 2025
The invitation comes after New Zealand decided to withdraw from the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial difficulties. As a result, the FIH has given the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) until 12 August to confirm whether they will accept or decline the offer.
Pakistan, which finished as runners-up in the 2025 Nations Cup—a tournament that serves as a qualifier for the Pro League—is now set to feature in this prestigious competition. The FIH Pro League, which began in 2019, is held annually and features the top nine national hockey teams based on global rankings.
Official statement
At the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned Champion and presented with the Pro League Trophy.
“In light of New Zealand’s withdrawal from the upcoming men’s season of the FIH Hockey Pro League, and in accordance with FIH regulations, we have extended an invitation to the runners-up of the Nations Cup, Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 edition,” read an official FIH statement.
Financial pressures
It was earlier reported that Hockey New Zealand had formally pulled out of the League, citing financial pressures as the main reason.
The FIH had apparently given New Zealand until 21 July to confirm their participation, but the Kiwis informed the federation ahead of the deadline that budgetary cuts during the current Olympic cycle had compelled them to make difficult decisions.
This is not the first financial setback for New Zealand hockey, as their women’s team was previously withdrawn from the Pro League under similar circumstances.
