In a groundbreaking development for Pakistan sport, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to fund the country’s participation in the upcoming season of the FIH Pro League, stepping in to ensure that the national hockey team doesn’t miss a rare international opportunity.
According to a source close to the development, the PCB will handle all financial and administrative responsibilities, as Pakistan prepares to accept the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) invitation to join the top-tier league after Nations Cup winners New Zealand withdrew last month.
It’s confirmed. PCB will take care of all the financial and administrative aspects of it, with no interference from the PHF. PCB will appoint its own personnel and possibly contract event organisers to execute the planned move.
PHF on the Clock: August 12 Deadline Looms
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has until August 12 to officially respond to the invitation. An announcement confirming Pakistan’s participation is expected within days.
While the hockey body remains the nominal custodian of the sport, this PCB intervention is being seen as a de facto takeover of Pakistan’s Pro League campaign—at least for the upcoming season.
Sources indicate that the PHF, led by president Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti and secretary Rana Mujahid, has been actively trying to raise sponsorship funds to maintain control over the initiative. However, with the PCB’s financial muscle and administrative clarity, their leverage may now be limited.
If the PCB funds the Pro League, PHF will have no control over financial transactions.
Youth Programme Funds to Power Hockey Revival
Interestingly, the PCB’s proposed funding will reportedly come from government allocations to its youth development programme—repurposed to support hockey’s urgent needs.
The PCB will release some of the funds it receives from the government for their youth programme, which can be used to help the hockey team’s needs for a full season of the Pro League.
A source within the PCB also confirmed the plan: “Yes, PCB is going to come forward to help Pakistan hockey,” the official told Telecom Asia Sport on condition of anonymity.
Bugti Responds: ‘We’re in Talks with the Government’
Just hours after Telecom Asia Sport broke the story, PHF President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti responded to the development. Speaking to the publication, Bugti confirmed ongoing discussions with government officials and expressed optimism about a state-funded solution.
We have requested the FIH to extend the Pro League deadline to August 20, as we expect funds from the government. We have sent a budget of 350 million rupees for the Pro League. A good news is on the way.
Politics Behind the Scenes
While the PCB’s intervention is being widely welcomed by fans of both sports, it has also exposed the power tussle within the PHF. Another group is reportedly attempting to oust the current leadership and regain control of hockey’s financial future. With the PCB directly managing the campaign, any factional efforts may now be effectively sidelined.
A Rare Second Chance
Pakistan were runners-up in the 2024 FIH Nations Cup, where New Zealand beat them 6-2 in the final to secure promotion to the Pro League. However, with the Kiwis pulling out, Pakistan have now received a lifeline—an opportunity they can scarcely afford to squander.
