KUALA LUMPUR — The head coach of the Pakistan national hockey team, Tahir Zaman, is urging the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to establish a professional hockey league, adding that without improved financial.
The Olympian, recently appointed by the PHF, made comments following his team's second-place finish at the 2025 Nations Cup, where they lost 6-2 to New Zealand at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.
Although Pakistan entered the tournament with the modest goal of reaching the semi-finals, they surpassed expectations by making it to the final. However, the significant defeat meant they did not qualify for next season's FIH Pro League.
Speaking to Scoop, Tahir acknowledged the team's commendable progress but emphasised that long-term development would be unattainable without systemic changes, particularly regarding financial stability for players.
“Honestly, what we are providing for the players is still not enough. We, as coaches, are advocating for the establishment of a professional league similar to those in India and Malaysia,” Tahir said.
“This would allow players to achieve financial stability by playing for franchise teams.”
Tahir mentioned that a proposal for a domestic professional league has already been submitted, and efforts are being made to secure corporate sponsorship, government support, and introduce central contracts for national players.
“A lot of groundwork has already been done. We’re just waiting for the official launch. I believe that unless you address players’ welfare, you can’t truly build a strong team,” he added.
Currently, Pakistan has a national championship tournament, but according to Tahir, it lacks the professional structure and sustainability found in other countries.
“We do have a national championship, but it’s not a professional league like those in India or Malaysia. Players compete through regional or provincial teams, and some still play for departmental teams under contract.
“However, the salaries and allowances are simply not sufficient. The national championship usually features 12 to 16 teams in its final round and is conducted in a short tournament format over 10 to 12 days, unlike the home-and-away league systems in more developed hockey nations.”
On the international stage, Tahir noted that several of his players are gaining experience overseas but are still not competing in Europe’s top leagues.
“Currently, around five or six players are playing in Europe. They’re gaining some exposure, but not in top-tier leagues like the Premier League. That’s another area we’re focusing on.
“If we can’t provide enough practice matches locally, we try to send players abroad for exposure as much as possible.”
Tahir reiterated that while short-term achievements, such as reaching the Nations Cup final, are promising, the revival of Pakistan’s hockey relies on a long-term commitment to professionalisation and player welfare.
“What’s missing is a sustainable system at home. Until we address that, progress will always be limited.”
According to Pakistani journalists Munbeeb Farrukh and Faizan Lakhani from ProPakistani.pk, it was reported that the Pakistani players had not received their allowances since being called up for training for the Nations Cup and throughout their time in Malaysia.
Additionally, Pakistan’s hockey captain, Ammad Butt, publicly expressed his frustration over the lack of financial support, asking, “Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey? Do our politicians care about the national sport? Do ministers take an interest in the game that once brought Olympic gold to this country? Businessmen spend millions on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there’s no budget,” he was quoted as saying by ASportsTV.
Scoop will reach out to PHF president Tariq Bugti for further clarification on this issue. - June 22, 2025
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