The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday invited Pakistan to join the top-tier Pro League after New Zealand, who had originally qualified, chose not to field a team. However, Pakistan nay not be able to make it themselves. The invite from FIH has triggered a crisis in Pakistan hockey with calls now for the country’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene.
Pakistan finished second in the FIH Nations Cup, a second-tier tournament whose winner gets promoted to the Pro League. The Green Shirts lost in the final to New Zealand, who informed the FIH that they wouldn’t be sending their team. Consequently, the world body formally invited Pakistan and gave them time until August 12 to confirm participation. The Pro League involves a series of matches between the top-ranked teams of the world over two legs.
A cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation estimated that it would cost them 700 million Pakistani Rupees, approximately $2.5 million, for the entire campaign. They then put forth a request to the Pakistan Sports Board to release the funds, which would help the hockey team to confirm its spot.
However, the state-run board has informed the PHF that it doesn’t have the funds to ensure Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League. Further, the PSB has also directed the country’s hockey federation to submit detailed accounts of the funds allocated to them since last year.
In a press release after a meeting on Thursday, the PSB said according to Dawn: “Concerning the invitation to participate in the FIH Pro League, [the] members authorised the PSB president Rana Sanaullah to take the final decision. It was agreed that a formal letter, outlining the rationale and objectives of participation, would be sent by the PSB President to the Prime Minister.”
Pakistan has already missed a chance to play in the Pro League due to a lack of funds in the past. In 2019, they were set to compete in the inaugural Pro League. However, after sending their entry, the PHF declined to participate due to a financial crunch. As a result, the FIH imposed a fine of 170,000 euros on the PHF.
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