Hockey Pro League to begin from 2019, Pak to host matches in Scotland

CARDIFF: FIH, the world governing body of field hockey, has announced a new tournament “Hockey Pro League” replacing the regular event of Champion’s Trophy and the World League Semi Final and World League Final.

Nine teams, including Pakistan, will participate in this global league on home and away basis which will be formally launched in January 2019.

“Pakistan, one of the world’s best men’s teams, will face Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England/Great Britain, Germany, India, Netherlands and New Zealand,” announced FIH.

However, due to security concerns, Pakistan will host its “home” matches in Scotland.

“They (PHF) have agreed a co-host partnership with Scottish Hockey which means that Pakistan will play all of their ‘home’ matches in Glasgow, Scotland in order to limit any complications other nations could face in travelling to play in Pakistan,” said a statement from FIH.

“With a large Pakistani community in Scotland, the stadium is expected to be packed with passionate supporters whenever the Green Sticks are in Hockey Pro League action,” the statement added.

According to FIH, nine men’s and nine women’s teams will participate in the Hockey Pro League, which – according to FIH – will provide a regular calendar of must‐see hockey events played across the world throughout the year.

Each of 9 teams will play home and away matches against rest of the eight competitors from January to June every year and at the conclusion of league rounds, there will be an annual grand finale involving top four teams.