LAHORE (Kashmir English): International Hockey Federation (FIH) has extended until August 20 the deadline for Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to confirm the country’s participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League, as it awaits a formal response from the federal government regarding provision of the required funding.
The PHF had requested the FIH to extend the original August 12 deadline due to the pending government approval, according to PHF president Tariq Hussain Bugti.
“We had asked the FIH to extend the deadline for confirming Pakistan’s participation to August 20 because we are still waiting for a response from the government,” Bugti told reporters at the National Hockey Stadium.
FIH invited Pakistan to replace New Zealand
The International Hockey Federation had invited Pakistan to replace New Zealand, who withdrew from the Pro League due to financial constraints. The PHF has yet to receive the green light from the authorities in Islamabad.
According to the high-ups, the PHF had estimated an expenditure of Rs350 million to take part in the Pro League.
“Overall, the PHF requires Rs700 to Rs750 million annually to run its affairs. We have submitted our financial request to the government and are hopeful of receiving maximum support,” Bugti said, adding that efforts were also underway to engage sponsors to share the financial burden.
On Pakistan’s potential participation in the upcoming Asia Cup in India, Bugti said the PHF would do what the government wants it to do. He said the India-Pakistan situation had deteriorated since May 10 and the PHF had apprised the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) in this regard. “It is premature to say whether the AHF will take action if we don’t participate, but the entire world is aware of the current circumstances,” he said.
