India vs Pakistan in FIH Pro League 2025-26 confirmed
FIH Pro League 2025-26 season is set to feature two fixtures between arch-rivals India and Pakistan as the latter has accepted the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) invitation to replace New Zealand.
New Zealand had qualified for the next season of the Pro League after beating Pakistan in the final of the FIH Nations Cup earlier this year in Malaysia. However, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join the tournament.
Therefore, as per the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to runner-up Pakistan which has confirmed its participation.
Pakistan will join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming men’s season of the FIH Pro League – the seventh edition of the competition. Pakistan takes Ireland’s place as the Irish team was relegated after finishing at the bottom in the sixth edition.
READ | Asia Cup Hockey 2025: Bangladesh, Kazakhstan replace Pakistan, Oman
Pakistan was suspended from the inaugural edition of the Pro League in 2019 after it could not play its first three games. Since then, it hasn’t featured in the tournament.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said, “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. I can already anticipate an enhanced visibility of 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 is a strong example of how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top.”
The development comes after Pakistan refused to travel to India for the Asia Cup, which starts on Friday, citing security concerns. Therefore, it is likely that the two teams will face each other at a neutral venue in the FIH Pro League 2025-26.
Published on Aug 28, 2025