New Zealand’s Nic Woods hits the ball throughout their FIH Nations Cup match in opposition to New Zealand on the Nationwide Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 18, 2025. — FIH
KARACHI: Whereas Pakistani officers proceed to say that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is in touch with the Worldwide Hockey Federation (FIH) concerning participation within the FIH Professional League, an FIH official has said that no formal invitation has been prolonged to any group to interchange New Zealand at this stage.
On Thursday, the PHF secretary spoke to the media alongside Pakistan Sports activities Board (PSB) officers, discussing the opportunity of Pakistan’s participation within the Professional League and the required funds. He added that the PHF is in contact with the FIH on the matter.
Nonetheless, Geo Information obtained a communication from the FIH stating that the federation shouldn’t be but on the stage of inviting the Nations Cup runner-up to hitch the Professional League.
FIH Senior Communications Supervisor Nicolas Maingot additionally dismissed stories of Pakistan being invited to the match as “unfaithful.”
“The method is as follows: The winners of the Nations Cup get the chance to hitch the Professional League for the following season. Nonetheless, if that group declines, then the runner-up will get the chance,” Maingot defined.
“In the meanwhile, we’re not at that stage,” the FIH spokesperson added.
In an earlier communication with Geo Information, Maingot confirmed that New Zealand has but to replace the FIH on its resolution.
“As of Wednesday night, we have now not obtained Hockey New Zealand’s official stance,” he said through e-mail.
Reviews recommend that because of authorities funding cuts, New Zealand could also be unable to take part within the FIH Professional League, as that they had additionally withdrawn from the earlier version.
It’s understood that whereas no official invitation has been prolonged, there might have been preliminary discussions on the management degree to gauge Pakistan’s readiness in case New Zealand declines participation.
In the meantime, the secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation Rana Mujahid has confirmed whereas talking to Geo’s program rating that FIH has, for now, requested Pakistan’s availability in case New Zealand pulls out.
“FIH requested us if we’d be accessible and we have now replied positively, whereas we’re discussing our prospects, we have now additionally sought a response from FIH on New Zealand’s ultimate stance on the matter in order that we will be in place to make any resolution on this,” he stated.
Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports activities) at Geo Information.
