US EditionBlack Sticks Won’t Play in ‘Expensive’ Pro League
PAKISTAN, JUL 23 – New Zealand cited financial strain and a travel-heavy format for withdrawal; Pakistan, runners-up at the Nations Cup, have until August 12 to accept the Pro League invitation.
- Hockey New Zealand officially withdrew both Black Sticks teams from the FIH Pro League on July 21 due to financial and logistical concerns.
- This decision followed consultations with athletes and staff who found the expensive, travel-heavy league format unworkable and misaligned with high-performance goals.
- Black Sticks men and women earned their Pro League spots by winning the Nations Cup, but players like Sam Lane expressed disappointment and urged FIH to better engage athletes.
- The International Hockey Federation has officially invited Pakistan, the runners-up of the 2024-25 Nations Cup and a historically significant hockey nation, to participate in the 2025-26 season of the Pro League, with a response required by August 12.
- New Zealand’s withdrawal highlights challenges for remote nations and suggests the Pro League requires reform to become sustainable and inclusive for top-level teams.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Pakistan unsure of participation in FIH Pro League 2025-26 due to cash crunch
The Pakistan men’s hockey team, which has won the World Cup four times, has been invited to compete in the FIH Pro League 2025-26 after New Zealand, which had earned direct qualification by winning the 2024-25 Nations Cup, decided not to participate in the upcoming season.
Pakistan Unsure Of Participation In Next Hockey Pro League Due To Cash Crunch
The Pakistan hockey team's participation in the 2025-26 FIH Pro League lies in jeopardy because of financial crunch, derailing the three-time Olympic champions' much-anticipated comeback at the international stage.
Pak in race against time to secure Pro League spot
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) finds itself in a desperate scramble to secure funding after receiving an unexpected lifeline — a potential place in the upcoming FIH Pro League. Following New Zealand's withdrawal due to financial constraints, Pakistan has been invited to take their place in the prestigious event — a move coach Tahir Zaman describes as a "golden opportunity to revive the country's hockey." The International Hockey Federation…
FIH invites Pakistan to elite Hockey Pro League as New Zealand withdraws
LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation has formally extended an invitation to the Pakistan Hockey Federation to participate in the prestigious Hockey Pro League, following New Zealand's withdrawal due to financial constraints.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 38% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
