Have Pakistan hockey players agreed to play in the Pro-League after settling payments?
Synopsis
In a significant turnaround, the Pakistan men's hockey team has resolved a payment crisis, allowing them to participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Men's Pro League. After weeks of protests and training camp boycotts, players have been assured of daily allowances for their matches in Australia. Will this agreement bring stability to the team?
Key Takeaways
Players agreed to participate in the second round of the Pro League.
Payment issues have been addressed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
Upcoming matches include games against Australia and Germany.
Pakistan's hockey legacy includes four world championships and three Olympic titles.
Mumbai, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Pakistan hockey team has successfully navigated a significant crisis as the national men's team players have consented to participate in the second round of the FIH Hockey Men's Pro League following a two-week period of protests and a training camp boycott due to unpaid dues, according to a report released on Thursday.
The secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Rana Mujahid, met with the players in Islamabad on Thursday and guaranteed them that they would receive the promised 114 US dollars (approximately 30,000 PKR) as daily allowances for their upcoming matches in Hobart, Australia, next month.
Sources informed Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that the Pakistan Sports Board, which allocated a significant sum of 250 million PKR to the PHF for the Pro League, had expressed concerns regarding the logistical arrangements and the lack of payments from the first round of the League held in December of the previous year. They instructed the Federation to address all outstanding payments within one week.
A player informed www.telecomasia.net that while the agreement pertains to the second round, there are no assurances regarding the overdue payments. 'We have made every effort to ensure this tour goes ahead, but the PHF has not budged. This situation is quite disheartening, as hockey is our livelihood,' he stated.
'Our training sessions were boycotted, and ultimately, with the Sports Board's intervention, we secured some promises. We hope that the PHF honors these commitments and does not put us in a difficult position during our tour in Australia.'
Pakistan is scheduled to compete against Australia on February 10 and 13, and Germany on February 11 and 14 in the second round of the Pro League.
Despite finishing second in last year's FIH Nations Cup, Pakistan qualified for the Pro League after New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.
The nine-team event commenced last year, with Pakistan suffering losses in all four matches during the first round. They were defeated by the Netherlands (7-3 and 5-2) and Argentina (5-1 and 3-2).
Pakistan, a four-time world and three-time Olympic champion, has not qualified for the Olympics since 2012.
Point of View
I am glad to see the Pakistan hockey team overcoming this payment issue. Hockey is not just a sport; it's a significant part of our national identity. The players deserve timely compensation for their hard work, and it is crucial that the Pakistan Hockey Federation continues to uphold its commitments moving forward.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the players' protests?
The Pakistan men's hockey team players protested due to unpaid dues and a lack of payments for their participation in the Pro League.
What promises were made to the players?
The players were promised daily allowances of 114 US dollars for their upcoming matches in Australia.
Which teams will Pakistan compete against in the Pro League?
Pakistan will face Australia and Germany in the second round of the FIH Hockey Men's Pro League.
