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June 25, 2025

FIH invites Pakistan into Pro League after New Zealand withdrawal

FIH invites Pakistan into Pro League after New Zealand withdrawal
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The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has extended an invitation to Pakistan to join the 2025–26 Men’s FIH Hockey Pro League following New Zealand’s decision to withdraw from the 2024–25 season.

New Zealand, winners of the 2024 FIH Hockey Nations Cup, chose not to participate in the Pro League due to financial constraints, opting instead to build alternative test match programmes at home. Their exit has opened a slot, which the offered to Pakistan—a team previously suspended in 2019 but now back in contention.

According to, Pakistan earned its chance at Pro League promotion by finishing among the top eight in the 2025 Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, featuring alongside major teams like France, South Africa, and New Zealand. They were also officially named in June's Nations Cup squad, with Imad Butt leading a 20-player roster.

As noted on Wikipedia, Pakistan and other teams (e.g., Ireland, substituted for New Zealand) have taken part in the Pro League since its inception. This decision of the FIH fits in its competitive system, and therefore, the top finishing Nations Cup participants, who refuse to play in it, are substituted by the next one eligible.

Pakistan has the golden chance to recover its position as the hockey elite in the world again. The competition in the 202526 Men Pro League presents an excellent learning and exposure opportunity alongside the rebuilding in the league. To people who have watched the resurgence of the country in sports, this will be a pivotal point for the country in international hockey.

Impact and implication

  • In the case of Pakistan, playing in the Pro league during 202526 will allow this country to regain its status as an international hockey premium and play in the largest range of exposure and competition against others.
     
  • Domestic revival of hockey in the country has been continuing, as there was once again a tour of the first German junior team in Pakistan this year.
     
  • Meanwhile, New Zealand’s absence reflects financial prioritisation—Hockey NZ revealed the $1 million NZD Pro League cost prompted reallocation of funds toward a domestic test match schedule and development programmes.

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