PHF confirms agreement in principle as Pakistan works to revive international hockey
Canada’s national hockey team is set to visit Pakistan after Hockey Canada agreed in principle to send its senior side and officials for a tour early next year, according to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The proposed Canada hockey team tour Pakistan is expected to take place in January or February 2027. The development could mark an important step toward restoring regular international hockey fixtures in Pakistan after years of limited bilateral activity.
The PHF said the final schedule has not yet been confirmed. The two hockey federations will jointly decide the dates, number of matches and other arrangements before the tour is formally finalised.
Hockey Canada has also shown interest in visiting Pakistan to experience the country’s long-standing hockey culture and traditions. The proposed visit is being viewed as part of broader efforts to reconnect Pakistan with major international hockey teams.
The PHF is simultaneously holding discussions with three other countries over potential tours of Pakistan. According to the federation, some of these teams could travel to the country later this year or during the opening months of 2027.
The federation aims to establish a more consistent international hockey calendar by bringing overseas teams to Pakistan. Regular international fixtures would also provide the national side with greater exposure against high-quality opposition ahead of major tournaments.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s national team is currently in the Netherlands preparing for the FIH Hockey World Cup. The four-time world champions are returning to the competition after missing the 2023 edition.
The World Cup is being jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. Pakistan have been placed in Group D alongside India, England and Wales.
Pakistan secured qualification after finishing runners-up in the qualifiers earlier this year. Their first match is against England on August 15, while India will face Wales on the same day.
The potential Canadian tour adds to the PHF’s wider efforts to rebuild Pakistan’s international hockey profile and create more opportunities for the national team to compete at home.