Green Shirts to Compete in Prestigious Global Tournament After Securing Government Funding
Pakistan’s men’s hockey team will officially participate in the upcoming 2025–26 season of the FIH Pro League, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed on Thursday. This marks a significant comeback for the Green Shirts, who will compete alongside the world’s top hockey nations including India, Argentina, Australia, England, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain.
Pakistan received a formal invitation to join the seventh edition of the elite nine-team tournament after New Zealand withdrew, despite winning the FIH Nations Cup earlier this year in Malaysia. Ireland, who finished at the bottom of the previous season, have been relegated, creating space for Pakistan’s inclusion.
Initially, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was given until August 12 to confirm participation, but it requested an extension to August 20 due to pending government funding. On Wednesday, the PHF was granted Rs250 million by the government, enabling it to confirm participation the next day.
FIH, Hockey Community Welcome Pakistan’s Return to Elite Competition
“The International Hockey Federation can confirm that the Pakistan men’s hockey team has accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” the federation said in a statement.
Pakistan’s participation means they will renew their historic rivalry with India, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. Their return is seen as a key moment for global hockey, both in terms of legacy and visibility.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed the move, calling it a “truly impactful milestone”. He said Pakistan’s return would strengthen global viewership, while celebrating the country’s deep hockey heritage.
“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.
Pakistan were originally set to take part in the inaugural 2019 edition of the Pro League but were suspended after failing to appear for their opening three fixtures against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand due to what the PHF described as “inevitable circumstances.”
