Pakistan Hockey League to begin next year, says Shahbaz

E-Paper | May 03, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is hopeful it will able to rope in international players for a glitzy league in April next year.

“The other day Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal issued the No Objection Certificate for holding the Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) in Pakistan and we are keen on holding this mega event in style,” PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed said on Friday.

“The PHL will not only go a long way in promoting hockey in the country but will also enhance the image of the country.”

The event will be held in four cities namely Lahore, Gojra, Faisalabad and Karachi with five to six teams, each having four international players.

“I will use my personal contacts as well to convince star players to participate in the event,” Shahbaz informed.

He added that Rs250 million would be spent on the league but the PHF wouldn’t need government funding.

“We have planned the event which will generate funds itself and nothing will be required from the government.”

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2017

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Newspaper

Kashif Ali Abbasi is an Islamabad-based reporter for Dawn with 17 years of experience in journalism. He covers sports, the education sector, and civic issues. He can be found on X at @AbbasiKashif833.

Islamabad United blink in last over as Hyderabad Kingsmen win cliffhanger to make PSL decider

Sinner shines to beat Fils, reach Madrid Open final

Kent suspend social media comments to protect players’ mental health

Branded Content

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expands climate action with one Million Tree Drive and forest reforms

The province is turning policy into action through a series of large scale programmes aimed at rebuilding ecosystems and improving resilience against rising climate pressures.

Taptap Send, Arshad Nadeem partner to highlight Pakistan’s unsung champions

The initiative comes at a time when cricket continues to dominate national attention, often overshadowing achievements in other sports.

NexGen Auto (Nishat Group) to Introduce iCAUR in Pakistan

As one of Pakistan’s leading business groups, Nishat Group operates across key sectors including textiles, cement, banking, insurance, power and agriculture.