FIH Pro League: Pakistan set to face India at neutral venues

Pakistan were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Malaysia earlier this year. Though New Zealand won the tourney, they preferred to skip the Pro League, forcing FIH to invite runners-up Pakistan for the event.

India vs Pakistan hockey rivalry is all set to renew with the 'Green Shirts' accepting the FIH invitation to compete in the Pro League.

As per a release by the game's governing body (FIH), Pakistan will be a part of the seventh season of the men's FIH Pro League, opening up the possibility of clashes with India at a neutral venue during the tournament that is traditionally played in a home-and-away format.

It may be recalled that Pakistan were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Malaysia earlier this year. While 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 Pro League this time.

Therefore, as per stipulated regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up -- Pakistan -- who have confirmed their participation.

It is worth mentioning that the Indian government recently came up with a dedicated sports policy with regards to Pakistan under which it banned any bilateral engagement with the neighbouring country due to the border tensions that have been reignited by the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

"As per government directive, there'll be no bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan but we'll have to play them in international tournaments. Now that Pakistan is included in 2025-26 Pro League, we'll play them at a neutral venue, which is yet to be decided. Pakistan can't travel to India," a Hockey India source was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

The Pakistani team recently decided against travelling to India for the Asia Cup that began in Rajgir, Bihar on Friday (August 29) citing security concerns. This was despite the fact that the government of India had decided to issue visas to their players for continental showpiece which is also a World Cup qualifier.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed Pakistan into the event roster for the first time.

"Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition. 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," Ikram said.

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany Netherlands and Spain are the other teams in fray for seventh edition of the competition.

(with inputs from agencies/FIH Media)