Pakistan Hockey: FIH Nations Cup a silver lining in revival

Pakistan Hockey: FIH Nations Cup a silver lining in revival

Asher Butt

 

After years of being shrouded in shadows of decline, disillusionment, and institutional chaos, Pakistan men’s hockey has finally caught a glimmer of hope. The national team’s spirited campaign in the FIH Nations Cup 2025 not only culminated in a commendable runner-up finish but has also unlocked the door for a long-awaited return to top-tier international competition. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has extended a formal invitation to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to participate in the 2026 FIH Pro League — a move that has the potential to re-chart the course of the country’s national game.

 

The unexpected opportunity arose after New Zealand, champions of the Nations Cup held in Kuala Lumpur, opted out of the next Pro League season for undisclosed reasons. Pakistan, being the runners-up, have been offered their spot — a lifeline for a team and a sport desperately in need of one. PHF officials have confirmed the receipt of the invitation and stated that Pakistan is likely to accept the offer. If confirmed, this will mark Pakistan’s re-entry into the elite fold of international hockey after an absence of several years.

 

Pro League: From exclusion to redemption

Pakistan’s history with the Pro League has not been without its share of embarrassment. The Green Shirts were part of the league’s inaugural edition in 2019 but were dropped after failing to play their initial fixtures. That ejection was symptomatic of the broader dysfunction and mismanagement within Pakistan’s hockey administration.

 

This new invitation, however, represents more than just a scheduling opportunity — it signifies redemption. It acknowledges Pakistan’s resurgence on the field, particularly their performance in the Nations Cup final, where they ultimately fell to New Zealand 6-2. While the defeat was heavy, it does not erase the milestones the team achieved en route to the final — including a gutsy semi-final victory against France, settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

 

Nations Cup campaign: A flash of brilliance amid institutional darkness

Pakistan’s journey to the final of the Nations Cup was nothing short of inspirational. Playing in a major final after more than a decade, the national team defied the odds. Their comeback from a 2-0 deficit to beat France, thanks in part to goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman’s stunning saves in the penalty shootout, signaled a team that refused to surrender. For a brief moment, it felt as if the golden days of Pakistani hockey — the Olympic medals, the World Cup triumphs, the Asian dominance — were within reach again.

 

But as so often is the case with Pakistani sports, the joy on the field was undermined by chaos off it. Players were stranded in Malaysia for over ten days without receiving their daily allowances of PKR 30,000. Captain Ammad Butt's heartfelt outcry — “Does anyone really understand what Pakistan hockey players go through?” — sparked public outrage and reignited the long-standing debate over the sport’s criminal neglect by authorities.

 

While the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) claimed it had provided PKR 9 million for the tour, PHF maintained they had insufficient funds, triggering a classic blame game. Players, rather than focusing solely on the game, had to deal with uncertainty over basic entitlements — a reality that is unfortunately all too familiar in Pakistan’s current sporting setup.

 

The indignity did not end there. Upon their return, the players were invited to a luncheon in Islamabad, but were offered just PKR 400 for travel — barely enough to cover toll charges, let alone transportation. Butt sarcastically noted the absurdity of the offer, transforming what should have been a celebration into a farce.

 

A team that rose despite the system

What makes Pakistan’s Nations Cup run even more remarkable is that the team managed to perform at such a high level despite minimal institutional support. Coach Tahir Zaman admitted the players had very little international exposure in recent years. The lack of competitive matches, overseas tours, and structured development makes the team’s achievements all the more impressive.

 

Young players like Sufyan Khan, who was declared the Best Young Player of the tournament, alongside consistent performers such as Rana Waheed and Hanan Shahid, have shown that raw talent in Pakistan is still abundant. What is missing is the infrastructure and planning to hone it. Former Olympian Hassan Sardar correctly pinpointed the defensive frailties that led to the heavy loss against New Zealand, but also acknowledged the improved attacking flair — a positive sign of tactical evolution under difficult circumstances.

 

The strategic value of the Pro League

The Pro League invitation changes everything. Scheduled to begin in February 2026, the league features home-and-away matches against top-tier hockey nations. For Pakistan, this is not just a competition; it is an ecosystem that offers multiple benefits:

 

International exposure: Regular fixtures against teams like Australia, Netherlands, and Germany will greatly enhance the experience and confidence of young Pakistani players.

 

Ranking opportunities: Each match in the Pro League contributes to FIH world rankings. A good showing could significantly improve Pakistan’s 17th position.

 

Financial relief: Participation comes with broadcasting revenues, sponsorship opportunities, and appearance fees, helping ease PHF’s financial woes.

 

Infrastructure boost: Hosting matches in Pakistan will necessitate upgrades to existing stadiums, potentially attracting fans back to the grounds and reviving domestic interest in hockey.

 

Rekindling national pride

One of the most uplifting moments post-tournament was the team’s welcome at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Fans, garlands in hand, celebrated the players like heroes, showing that the love for hockey in Pakistan has not died — it merely needs nurturing. PHF President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti’s appeal for corporate sponsors and greater institutional support was timely and well-received.

 

Even controversial moments, like Captain Butt’s Instagram story referencing "Rafael down again" — a likely allusion to the India-Pakistan sports rivalry — served to highlight the passion and competitive fire still burning within the national camp. The post was swiftly removed, but not before it showcased how deeply interwoven sports and national sentiment remain in South Asia.

 

Preparing for the Pro League: Challenges and requirements

Accepting the Pro League invitation is just the first step. Execution will be key. Pakistan must:

Create an intensive, long-term training program.

Hire specialized coaching and fitness staff.

Ensure timely payment of player dues.

Upgrade venues like Lahore’s National Hockey Stadium to meet FIH standards.

Build a support ecosystem for recovery, analytics, and technical refinement.

More crucially, the PHF must address its credibility crisis. Sponsors and stakeholders will only invest in a system that demonstrates transparency, efficiency, and long-term planning.

 

A crossroads for Pakistan Hockey

The silver medal at the Nations Cup is a symbol — a glimpse into what Pakistani hockey can become again. It is not the destination, but a milestone that signals what could lie ahead. Whether this moment leads to sustained revival or becomes yet another footnote in Pakistan’s long list of ‘what could have been’ will depend on the choices made today.

 

Corporate involvement is no longer optional; it’s essential. Governmental support must go beyond press releases and ceremonial lunches. PHF needs to be restructured into a modern, professionally-run body focused on athlete development and strategic growth.

 

To the least: Don’t let this moment slip away

Captain Ammad Butt captured it best: “We didn’t lose; we won hearts. We revived hockey.” But revivals need roots. And those roots must be planted in solid ground — infrastructure, funding, transparency, and planning.

 

The 2026 FIH Pro League is not just a competition; it is a turning point. A chance to correct historical wrongs. A platform to rebuild a legacy.

 

Pakistan has taken the first step. Now it must walk — not stumble — through the open door, toward a future where hockey once again commands the pride and respect it rightfully deserves.