FIH invites Pakistan to join Pro League after New Zealand pull out

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has formally invited the Pakistan men’s hockey team to participate in the upcoming edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, set to begin in December 2025.

The invitation comes after New Zealand officially withdrew from the Pro League due to financial difficulties. The FIH, following its established regulations, extended the opportunity to Pakistan as the runner-up of the FIH Nations Cup 2025 — the qualifying event for the elite competition.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been given a deadline of August 12 to confirm its participation in the league, which features the top nine ranked national teams annually.

The team accumulating the most points during the season is declared the 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,” read the official statement from the FIH.

New Zealand’s withdrawal follows budgetary challenges linked to the current Olympic cycle. The men’s team was given until July 21 to confirm participation but opted out prior to the deadline.

The country’s women’s hockey team had also earlier exited the league for similar financial reasons.