Urooj Niazi 
pakistan invited to play in fih pro league 2025 26
Pakistan receives an offer to play the FIH Pro League 2025
The men’s Pakistan hockey team has been given an official invite into the FIH Pro League 2025-26, as New Zealand, which qualified by winning the Nations Cup, opted not to play.
The invitation was relayed to Pakistan by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on July 23rd, and Pakistan has until August 12th to accept or decline the invitation to the tournament.
The opportunity to reclaim hockey heritage
Pakistan finished in second place in the 2024-25 FIH Nations Cup, where they lost 6-2 to New Zealand in the final in Malaysia. With New Zealand withdrawing, the FIH selected Pakistan as a legal replacement as per tournament procedures. If Pakistan accepts the invitation, it will be a historic moment, as it will be their first time competing as a part of the Pro League, which is viewed as one of the preeminent series of competitions in international hockey.
ایف آئی ایچ نے پاکستان کو پرو لیگ میں شمولیت کی باضابطہ دعوت دے دی
— Geo Super (@geosupertv) July 24, 2025
تفصیلات جانیے: https://t.co/LxaKp3kafP#PakistanHockey #PHF #hockey pic.twitter.com/Hrz0CBmA0m
How the Pro League Functions
The FIH Pro League started in 2019 and consists of nine top national teams in both men’s and women’s sections. Each team gets to play 16 matches in total. The team with the most points wins. The bottom team, the wooden spoonist, is released to the Nations Cup, and the Nations Cup winner goes up to the Pro League. The upcoming season will also act as a qualifier for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Possibility of India vs Pakistan Clash
If Pakistan accepts the offer, they will meet India in the league, providing fans with another high-voltage match presented every league season. India’s men’s team has participated in the league since the 2020-21 season and finished 8th last time, thereby avoiding relegation. The Indian women’s team debuted in the 2021-22 season and sadly finished last this year, meaning they will be relegated.
Final decision due on August 12
The invitation is a huge opportunity for Pakistan hockey to redevelop itself at the upper levels of the game. They have a prestigious legacy of hockey, with three Olympic golds and four World Cup titles, so it remains to be seen if hockey fans around the world can watch Pakistan take this opportunity to re-enter the global stage and play against India with potential fireworks.
