Pakistan, newly elevated from the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Malaysia, will test itself against elite opposition, including Australia, Germany, England, and the Netherlands, while India arrives after a gruelling 16-match campaign.
Photo: IANS
The intense India–Pakistan hockey rivalry is set for a dramatic return on neutral territory in England during the FIH Pro League 2025-26 season. With bilateral sporting ties frozen under government directives and reciprocal travel restrictions, the organisers selected a venue outside South Asia for the clashes, scheduled in June next year.
Pakistan, newly elevated from the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Malaysia, will test itself against elite opposition, including Australia, Germany, England, and the Netherlands, while India arrives after a gruelling 16-match campaign. Yet, for both teams, the meetings with each other remain the true marquee fixtures, watched as much for symbolism as for skill.
Advertisement
Scheduled from June 23 to 28, 2026, in England, the exact city is yet to be confirmed.
Advertisement
FIH President Tayyab Ikram hailed Pakistan’s return as a “significant boost” for world hockey, while organisers underscored hopes that the games would highlight South Asian heritage and the sport’s potential to bridge divides, even as political tensions continue to keep the rivals apart at home.
Despite losing to New Zealand in the FIH Nations Cup final, the qualifying event for Pro League, Pakistan’s entry was confirmed after the Black Sticks pulled out. Pakistan will make its Pro League debut and will replace Ireland, who was relegated after finishing last amongst the nine teams last season.
In the women’s tournament, Ireland replaces the relegated Indian team and is set to make its debut.
Pro League’s seventh season will begin on December 9 in Ireland with the host’s women’s team set to make its debut. Throughout the entirety of the season, 10 nations will host a total of 144 matches. The Dutch men’s and women’s teams are the defending champions.
Advertisement
