Despite ongoing claims by Pakistani officials that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is in contact with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding participation in the FIH Pro League, an FIH official has explicitly stated that no formal invitation has been extended to any team to replace New Zealand at this stage.
On Thursday, the PHF secretary addressed the media alongside Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) officials, discussing the possibility of Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League and the required funding. He maintained that the PHF is in communication with the FIH on this matter.
However, Geo News received a direct communication from the FIH stating that the federation is not yet at the stage of inviting the Nations Cup runner-up to join the Pro League. Nicolas Maingot, FIH Senior Communications Manager, further dismissed reports of Pakistan being invited to the tournament as “untrue.”
Maingot clarified the official process: “The winners of the Nations Cup get the opportunity to join the Pro League for the next season. However, if that team declines, then the runner-up gets the opportunity.” He added, “At the moment, we are not at that stage.”
In an earlier communication with Geo News, Maingot had confirmed that New Zealand has yet to provide the FIH with an update on its decision. “As of Wednesday evening, we have not received Hockey New Zealand’s official stance,” he stated via email. Reports suggest that due to government funding cuts, New Zealand may be unable to participate in the FIH Pro League, having also withdrawn from the previous edition.
It is understood that while no official invitation has been extended, there may have been preliminary discussions at the leadership level to gauge Pakistan’s readiness should New Zealand decline participation.
Pakistan Hockey Federation Confirms FIH Inquiry on Availability
Meanwhile, Rana Mujahid, secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, has confirmed during an interview on Geo’s programme ‘Score’ that the FIH has, for now, asked about Pakistan’s availability in case New Zealand withdraws.
“FIH asked us if we would be available and we have replied positively,” Mujahid stated. “While we are discussing our possibilities, we have also sought a response from FIH on New Zealand’s final stance on the matter so that we can be in a position to make any decision on this.”
