Pakistan Excluded from Azlan Shah Cup Due to Unpaid Dues
What Is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?
Introduction
Pakistan will not participate in the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a major annual men’s field hockey tournament in Malaysia. Reports indicate that Pakistan’s exclusion stems from unpaid dues to the tournament organizers. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) faces increasing pressure as this issue highlights the country’s struggles in managing its hockey operations.
This article explores why Pakistan was excluded, the country’s financial troubles, its past performance at the tournament, and the potential consequences of this decision.
What Is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is a prestigious invitational field hockey tournament. It started in 1983 and takes place annually in Ipoh, Malaysia. Named after Sultan Azlan Shah, a supporter of sports, the tournament has attracted many top international teams.
Pakistan has a rich history in the competition, winning the cup three times — in 1999, 2000, and 2003. However, recent years have seen fewer invitations and inconsistent participation due to financial and organizational challenges.
Why Was Pakistan Not Invited in 2025?
The organizers of the Azlan Shah Cup confirmed that Pakistan was excluded due to unpaid dues from previous editions. Despite several reminders, the PHF failed to settle these debts.
Though the exact amount remains undisclosed, the dues reportedly cover logistical costs, accommodation, and participation fees from at least two prior tournaments. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation had no choice but to exclude Pakistan from the 2025 event.
PHF’s Financial Struggles
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has faced financial instability for nearly a decade. Once a dominant force in world hockey, Pakistan has struggled with mismanagement, a lack of sponsorship, and decreasing government support.
In 2023, the PHF asked the government for emergency funds to participate in the Asian Games. However, sponsors have become hesitant due to internal politics and a lack of transparency. The PHF’s debts have also grown as the federation has failed to pay coaches, organize camps, and send teams to international competitions.
The Pakistani government, which used to provide significant funding, has criticized the PHF for poor planning and has urged the federation to reform before it releases more money.
Reactions from the Hockey Community
The exclusion of Pakistan from the Azlan Shah Cup has stirred up strong reactions.
Former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh described the move as “a shameful reflection of how far we’ve fallen.” He said, “Pakistan was once the pride of world hockey. Now, we can’t even afford to participate.”
Fans and former players voiced their disappointment on social media, criticizing the PHF’s management. Many called for the government to step in and clear the dues to maintain Pakistan’s presence in international competitions.
Who Is Participating in the 2025 Azlan Shah Cup?
While Pakistan is missing, other strong teams are expected to compete in the 2025 Azlan Shah Cup, including:
- India
- Malaysia (Host)
- South Korea
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Australia
India, Pakistan’s longtime rival, is considered one of the favorites to win. Their inclusion and Pakistan’s exclusion highlight the contrast in the trajectories of these two neighboring nations.
Impact on Pakistani Hockey
Not participating in the Azlan Shah Cup is a significant blow to Pakistan’s hockey scene.
- Loss of Exposure: The Pakistani team will miss valuable opportunities to compete against top international teams.
- Impact on Rankings: Missing the tournament will hurt Pakistan’s global rankings and future invitations.
- Sponsorship Issues: Sponsors are less likely to invest in a federation dealing with financial instability.
This exclusion could also hinder Pakistan’s preparations for other major events like the Asian Champions Trophy and Olympic qualifiers.
Call for Government and Private Sector Support
Experts agree that reform is necessary to revive Pakistani hockey. The government, while financially strained, must establish a transparent auditing system before releasing more funds. At the same time, private companies should be encouraged to invest in the sport. With tax benefits and branding opportunities, corporate support can provide a sustainable financial model.
Countries like India have revived their hockey systems through professional leagues and corporate partnerships. Pakistan could benefit from adopting similar strategies.
International Implications
Pakistan’s exclusion highlights the widening gap between Asian and European hockey. While European nations enjoy well-managed systems, many Asian countries, including Pakistan, continue to struggle with governance and financial stability.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) may need to offer more support to struggling nations or introduce measures to maintain standards worldwide.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s absence from the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup marks a low point in the country’s hockey history. The unpaid debts that led to this exclusion reflect deeper issues within the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
To return to the international stage, Pakistan must undergo urgent reforms, increase transparency, and secure long-term financial backing. Until then, tournaments like the Azlan Shah Cup will continue without Pakistan, a loss for the global hockey community.
Outbound Link:
To learn more about the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, visit its official Wikipedia page.
