Karachi: Pakistani hockey team has received a major international opportunity with an invitation to participate in the 2026 edition of the FIH Pro League. The invitation came after Nations Cup champions New Zealand withdrew from the next season for undisclosed reasons.
Pakistan Invited After New Zealand’s Withdrawal
Sources in the Pakistan Hockey Federation confirmed that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to include Pakistan in the tournament. Although Pakistan lost the Nations Cup final 2–0, it was offered this chance as the runner-up.
A formal announcement from FIH regarding Pakistan inclusion is expected in the coming days. The FIH Pro League is a top-tier global tournament featuring the world’s best hockey teams.
Return to Global Stage
Pakistani inclusion in this league is being seen as a symbol of its return to the international stage as the team had not participated in this event in recent years. This was the reason why the team was demoted in the world rankings and is currently ranked 17th.
The FIH Pro League is the main platform for teams who want to gain ranking points and gain experience with top-tier competitors. For Pakistan, this opportunity will help improve the team’s performance, confidence and reputation around the world. The next edition of the Pro League is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
Glorious Run Ends in Disappointment
New Zealand defeated Pakistan 6–2 in the Nations Cup final to claim the title. The match was played last week at the National Hockey Stadium.
New Zealand started aggressively, and after a quick two-goal lead, Scott Cosslett scored the first official goal off a penalty corner in the sixth minute. In the closing moments of the first quarter, Sam Hiha added a beautiful field goal extending the lead to 2–0.
New Zealand’s Onslaught in Second Quarter
Dylan Thomas scored the third goal early in the second quarter, followed just a minute later by a fourth from Sean Findlay after a well-executed move. Scott Boyde netted the fifth goal before halftime putting Pakistan on the defensive.
Some Resistance from Pakistan
In the third quarter, Zikriya Hayat scored Pakistan’s first goal in the fifth minute. Pakistan earned five penalty corners in this quarter but failed to convert any into goals.
Final Quarter Both Teams Fight On
New Zealand’s Cosslett scored again on a penalty corner making it 6–1. Just a minute later, Sufyan Khan scored from a penalty corner to bring it to 6–2 but it wasn’t enough for Pakistan to make a comeback. With this emphatic win, New Zealand not only claimed the trophy but ended Pakistan’s dream run.
New Hopes with New Opportunity
Pakistani inclusion in the Pro League brings new hope for the future. Although the Nations Cup ended in disappointment, this invitation could offer Pakistani hockey a renewed identity on the global stage.
