The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released the fixtures for the 2025–26 FIH Pro League, confirming Pakistan’s long-awaited return to top-flight hockey.

After years in the wilderness, the Green Shirts will finally line up alongside the sport’s elite, with a schedule that pits them against traditional rivals and modern heavyweights. The highlight, inevitably, will be their meeting with India — scheduled for late June in England.

A Tough Road Back to the Top

Pakistan’s campaign begins on December 9 in Argentina, where they face the hosts and reigning champions Netherlands. It will be their first-ever appearance in the Pro League, a format that has become central to the international hockey calendar.

In February 2026, the team heads to Australia for another demanding leg against the hosts and Germany, two sides that rarely give away points easily.

Come June, the action shifts to Europe, starting with clashes against Spain and Belgium. Then, from June 23 to 25, Pakistan will wrap up the group stage in England, taking on the home side before meeting India in what promises to be one of the marquee fixtures of the season.

The Bigger Picture

Pakistan’s entry into the Pro League comes despite financial and administrative hurdles at home. While results may not come quickly, simply competing against the world’s best offers an invaluable learning curve for a side trying to rebuild its international presence.

The Pro League isn’t just about prestige — the stakes are higher than ever. The champions will book a direct ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making every fixture a step toward Olympic qualification.

Full FIH Pro League 2025–26 Schedule Highlights

• Dec 9–14, 2025 (Argentina): Argentina, Netherlands, Pakistan
• Feb 10–15, 2026 (Australia): Australia, Germany, Pakistan
• Jun 13–21, 2026 (Belgium): Belgium, Pakistan, Spain
• Jun 23–28, 2026 (England): England, India, Pakistan

Why It Matters

For a country that once ruled the hockey world but has since slipped far behind, Pakistan’s Pro League debut is more than just another tournament. It’s a chance to measure themselves against the best, reignite public interest, and lay the groundwork for a long-term revival.

And with an India-Pakistan clash back on the calendar, the Pro League is guaranteed global attention — not just for the hockey, but for the history, rivalry, and raw intensity that comes with it.