Pakistan Joins Men's FIH Pro League: Potential India Clashes at Neutral Venues

New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) – The Pakistan hockey team is set to compete in the seventh season of the men's FIH Pro League, paving the way for potential matchups with India at neutral venues. The league, which is traditionally conducted in a home-and-away format, will for the first time feature Pakistan alongside established teams like Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain. The detailed schedule of the tournament is still awaited.

Pakistan's entry into the Pro League comes after their successful promotion via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup held in Malaysia earlier this year. Although New Zealand won the event by defeating Pakistan in the final, they later declined the invitation to join the Pro League. Consequently, as per the regulations, FIH extended the invite to runners-up Pakistan, who have confirmed their participation, according to a press release by the world body.

The Indian government has recently established a specialized sports policy regarding Pakistan, which prohibits any bilateral sports engagements due to rekindled border tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Consequently, no Pakistani team is allowed to enter India for bilateral sports events, nor will Indian teams travel to Pakistan. Nonetheless, multilateral engagements are permitted under the government's adherence to the Olympic Charter's inclusivity principle.

A Hockey India source informed PTI, "As per government directive, there will be no bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, but we will have to play them in international tournaments. Now that Pakistan is included in the 2025-26 Pro League, we will play them at a neutral venue, which is yet to be decided. Pakistan can't travel to India."

Recently, the Pakistani team opted not to travel to India for the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, citing security concerns, despite the Indian government's decision to issue visas for this continental showcase, which doubles as a World Cup qualifier. In the previous Pro League season, India held its home matches in Bhubaneswar and traveled to Europe for away games. It is yet to be determined where the India-Pakistan games will be held once the FIH announces the schedule.

"Just like last season, the Pro League will split into two halves — one India leg and one European leg," the Hockey India source added. "In the previous season's India leg, all participating European teams didn't come. Some played in Europe, and we also went there. This year, it will be the same, but venues are yet to be determined."

FIH President Tayyab Ikram expressed his excitement over Pakistan's return to elite competition. "Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition - this is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey. 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," he remarked.

Ikram anticipates increased visibility for the Pro League with Pakistan's participation. "Congratulations to the Pakistan men's team for qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and earning their place in the 'League of the Best’ for the very first time. This achievement exemplifies how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top," he added.