The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday suspended Pakistan from participation in FIH Pro Hockey League 2019 after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed that it intends to withdraw from first three games.
In a statement, FIH feared that Pakistan’s withdrawal from matches would jeopardise the tournament. Subsequently, they had left with “no other option but to suspend Pakistan from the event”
“Pakistan will not take part in the 2019 FIH Pro League,” the federation said. “The Pakistan Hockey Association informed FIH today that they were no longer able to play their first three games planned against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, citing inevitable circumstances.”
According to the statement, the federation has taken the decision to suspend the Asian team from the 2019 FIH Pro League in order not to jeopardise the regularity and the smooth delivery of the event.
FIH CEO Thierry Weil expressed his regret over Pakistan’s decision to withdraw from first three games.
“It is regretful that Pakistan has decided only now to withdraw from the first games of the FIH Pro League. Consequently, FIH were left with no other option than suspending Pakistan from the rest of the competition’s season,” he said.
The non-participation of Pakistan has no impact on the competition format. The eight teams of the FIH Pro League will play each other on a home and away basis from January to June.