Pakistan Hockey League set for October 14 launch

Pakistan is set to take a major step towards revival and transformation of its national game with the formal launch of the Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) in Islamabad on October 14, 2026.
PHL is the latest initiative from Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in its efforts to improve and modernise hockey infrastructure in Pakistan. 
The PHF press release said on Wednesday that the federation awarded the rights to Mediacast after a competitive bidding process earlier this year. 
“Now the PHF and Mediacast are set to launch the inaugural season of PHL in 2027. This league is being developed on the lines of FIH Hockey Pro League and Indian Hockey League and is likely to feature six to eight franchise teams in its first season.”
The PHF said leading foreign players will be contracted to play alongside Pakistani players which will give national players an opportunity to share the dressing room with them. 
“This league will also attract private sector partners in the form of franchise owners and corporate sponsors, thereby bringing much-needed commercial support and marketing for hockey throughout the country,” it added.
The PHF said the PHL will also provide an opportunity for Pakistani hockey professionals to work alongside experienced international experts and build expertise that can eventually benefit the entire national hockey structure.
“A professionally managed league will create multiple new commercial opportunities through team ownership and partnerships, broadcasting and digital content, merchandising, advertising, hospitality, ticketing and grassroots programmes,” the release added.
“The challenge before us is to ensure that the sport’s rich history becomes the foundation of a modern and sustainable future, rather than merely a source of nostalgia.”