Whilst zealand

FIH Hockey Pro League Men: Pakistan men’s hockey team are set to feature in the FIH Pro League for the first time after accepting an invitation to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) said on Thursday. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), facing financial issues, fulfilled the requirement for joining the Pro League after the sport's governing body extended the earlier-given deadline.

Pakistan were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Malaysia earlier this year. Whilst New Zealand won that event, beating Pakistan in the final, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join the Pro League this time.

After Hockey New Zealand notified the FIH of their decision not to participate in the next FIH Hockey Pro League Men’s season despite having won the FIH Hockey Nations Cup last month, FIH has, in accordance with the regulations, extended an invitation to the Nations Cup runners-up, Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition, who have confirmed their participation.