Pakistan Hockey Team To Take Part In FIH Pro League, Could Face India At Neutral Venues

Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 18:57 IST

Pakistan will join India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming campaign of the hockey tournament.

Pakistan Hockey Team. (X)

The Pakistan hockey team has been included in the seventh edition of the FIH Pro League, opening the doors for a possible clash against India in the high-profile event.

Pakistan will join India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming campaign of the hockey tournament.

Pakistan earned promotion from the FIH Nations Cup following New Zealand’s decision not to proceed with the invitation to join Pro League this time despite their win over Pakistan in the Final of the event earlier in the year.

“Therefore, as stipulated in the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up, namely Pakistan, who have confirmed their participation," the world governing body said in a statement.

“Further details regarding the competition schedule and venues will be announced in due course," the FIH said.

The Indian government recently introduced a dedicated sports policy concerning Pakistan, banning all bilateral engagements with the neighboring country due to the border tensions reignited by the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

No Pakistani team will be allowed to enter India for bilateral sports events, and similarly, no Indian team will travel to Pakistan. However, multilateral engagements are exempted as the government has decided to adhere to the Olympic Charter’s principle of inclusivity.

Despite this, the Pakistani team did not travel to India for the Asia Cup that commenced in Rajgir, Bihar, on Friday, citing security concerns.

In the previous season of the Pro League, India played their home matches in Bhubaneswar and traveled to Europe for away matches. It remains to be seen how games against Pakistan will be scheduled once the FIH announces the fixtures.

“Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – this is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey," FIH President Tayyab Ikram said as he welcomed Pakistan into the event roster for the first time.

Their return marks not only the comeback of a team with such a rich and storied history, but also an exciting boost to the visibility and reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League," Ikram said.

“I can already anticipate an enhanced visibility of the Pro League with Pakistan’s participation. Congratulations to the Pakistan men’s team for qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and earning their place in the ‘League of the Best’ for the very first time," he added.

“This achievement is a strong example of how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top," Ikram concluded.

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First Published:

August 29, 2025, 18:57 IST

News sports Pakistan Hockey Team To Take Part In FIH Pro League, Could Face India At Neutral Venues

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