LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday pledged full support to the national hockey team, assuring captain Ammad Butt that all obstacles to Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League would be swiftly removed.
In a meeting with the skipper, Butt outlined the challenges facing Pakistan hockey, ranging from player welfare to preparations for the league. Naqvi, terming the team’s qualification for the prestigious event a “matter of national pride,” vowed to personally facilitate the squad’s smooth participation.
The PCB chief announced a cash reward of PKR one million for each player and promised that any visa-related hurdles would be addressed without delay. He further revealed that the PCB’s medical staff would oversee players’ health and rehabilitation, while its logistics team would take charge of travel and support arrangements.
During the interaction, Ammad Butt congratulated Naqvi on being awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, acknowledging his contributions to national sports.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has already proposed that funds earmarked for the Pro League be handled directly by the government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), instead of passing through the federation. PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid, speaking in Karachi, clarified that the Pro League requires around PKR 700 million, and that the federation does not seek to control the funds itself.
“What matters is not who disburses the money whether it is the PHF or the PSB but ensuring Pakistan’s presence in the Pro League, which is vital for the sport’s revival,” Mujahid stressed. He added that players’ daily allowances should be transferred directly to them, while the PSB should manage international travel and accommodation.
The PHF believes that participation in the Pro League will not only sharpen players’ skills but also significantly boost Pakistan’s world ranking. Earlier this week, PHF President Tariq Bugti confirmed that the federation had requested the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for an extension to its deadline to confirm participation.
Pakistan’s invitation to the league came last month after New Zealand despite qualifying through the Nations Cup withdrew from the tournament. The FIH had set August 12 as the deadline for Pakistan to officially confirm its entry.
