LAHORE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the schedule for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2026-27 season with Pakistan team out of the event.
The new season will tip off on December 8, 2026, in Argentina. Following a disastrous campaign, that saw them finish at the bottom of the table, Pakistan men’s hockey team has been relegated and will not feature in the new season.
The 2025-26 FIH Pro League campaign proved to be deeply disappointing for the Pakistan hockey team. The national side finished rock bottom on the points table after losing all 16 of its matches, resulting in automatic relegation from the Pro League.
Pakistan suffered defeats against world heavyweights—including Belgium, Spain, England, and India—failing to register a single victory all season. Due to these persistent setbacks, Pakistan was unable to retain its place in the annual flagship tournament, meaning the national side will be absent from the 2026-27 Pro League action.
The new season marks the return of the France men’s hockey team to the Pro League. France earned promotion by winning the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, securing the right to compete against the world’s elite once again.
In the women’s division, the Indian women’s hockey team also earned promotion through the Nations Cup, making their comeback to the Pro League. To return to the Pro League in the future, Pakistan must now navigate and qualify through the FIH-mandated qualification framework.
According to the FIH, the first leg of the new season will run from December 8 to 13, 2026, in Argentina. The opening leg will feature host nation Argentina’s women’s team taking on China, while the men’s leg will see Argentina, Great Britain, and France face off.
Pakistan’s relegation from the Pro League is considered a severe setback for national hockey. The Pro League provided the team with regular, top-tier international competition against elite global opponents.
