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PHF seeks deadline extension for FIH Pro League participation

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally approached the International Hockey Federation (FIH), requesting an extension of the deadline for Pakistan’s participation in the Pro Hockey League.

The PHF Secretary, Rana Mujahid, has stated that there has been a positive response from several government ministries for Green Shirts’ participation in the marquee event.

“We have received positive signals from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, the Ministry of Finance, and the Pakistan Sports Board regarding support for Pakistan’s entry into the league.

“We are hopeful that the FIH will extend the deadline for Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League,” Mujahid added.

He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their support of Pakistan hockey.

“I am grateful to the Interior Minister for supporting Pakistan Hockey. Mohsin Naqvi’s provision of medical and training facilities to the player is welcome,” he concluded.

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A month earlier, the Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the FIH to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints.

Consequently, the FIH gave PHF a deadline to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

For the unversed, the FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.

The team with the highest points at the end of the tournament is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.

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FIH extends PHF Pro league participation deadline: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has received an extension from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to confirm the national team’s participation in the forthcoming FIH Pro League, sources confirmed on Monday.

Sources further revealed that the FIH has granted a few days’ extension to the PHF in the deadline for its request, which was due to expire tomorrow.

A crucial high-level meeting regarding the Pakistan hockey team’s participation in the Pro Hockey League is expected tomorrow.

According to the sources, consultations on the Green Shirts’ inclusion in the marquee event will be held under the chairmanship of Rana Sanaullah.

The meeting will also be attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination and the Secretary of Finance.

Representatives from the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Pakistan Sports Board will also present their proposals.

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Last month, the Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the FIH to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints.

Consequently, the FIH gave PHF a deadline of August 12 to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

For the unversed, the FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.

The team with the highest points at the end of the tournament is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.

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FIH officially invites Pakistan to join Pro League

LAUSANNE: The Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints. Consequently, the FIH has given the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) a deadline of August 12 to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

Pakistan, the runner-up of the Nations Cup 2025—an event that serves as a qualifier for the Pro League —is set to participate in the prestigious event. The FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.

The team with the highest points at the end of the season is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.

“After New Zealand notified the FIH of their decision not to participate in the next FIH Hockey Pro League Men’s season, FIH has, in accordance with the regulations, extended an invitation to the Nations Cup runners-up, namely Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition,” the official statement read.

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Earlier, it was reported that Hockey New Zealand has officially withdrawn from the League, citing financial difficulties as the primary reason.

The FIH had reportedly given New Zealand a deadline of July 21 to confirm their participation, but the Kiwis opted out before the cutoff date, informing the federation that budget cuts for the ongoing Olympic cycle had forced them to make tough calls.

This isn’t the first financial blow for New Zealand hockey; their women’s team had also been withdrawn from the Pro League earlier for similar reasons.

READ: Pakistan likely to get Pro League spot after New Zealand pullout

FIH invites Pakistan to Hockey Pro League after New Zealand pullout: reports

The Pakistan hockey team has reportedly been invited to participate in the upcoming season of the FIH Pro League after New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.

According to the sources, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) reached out to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) with a formal invitation, opening the door for the Men in Green to feature in the prestigious global event.

This marks a significant opportunity for Pakistan to climb the international rankings and re-establish its presence on the world stage.

New Zealand had earlier secured qualification for the Hockey Pro League by defeating Pakistan in the final of the FIH Nations Cup held in Malaysia.

However, with the Black Sticks pulling out, Pakistan have now been offered their spot.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s recent campaign at the FIH Nations Cup ended on a bittersweet note, as they finished runners-up after a 6-2 defeat to New Zealand in the final.

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Despite a strong start to the tournament, the Pakistan hockey team were outplayed in the title clash.

New Zealand had two early goals disallowed but eventually broke through in the sixth minute via a penalty corner from Scott Cosslett. Sam Hiha added another just before the first quarter ended.

The Kiwis then tightened their grip in the second quarter, adding three more goals through Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to take a 5-0 lead into half-time.

The Pakistan hockey team mounted a fleeting resurgence in the third quarter, spurred on by a striking goal from Zikriya Hayat that momentarily ignited hopes for a turnaround.

However, their struggles became evident as they failed to capitalise on five crucial penalty corners, a missed opportunity that ultimately proved costly.

Cosslett added his second of the night in the final quarter to make it 6-1, before Sufyan Khan scored a late consolation.

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