India vs Pakistan Hockey Returns: Arch-Rivals to Clash in 2025-26 FIH Pro League
Hockey’s fiercest rivalry is back: India to face Pakistan in 2025-26 FIH Pro League season. High-voltage clashes expected.
Historic Rivalry Renewed: India to Face Pakistan in 2025-26 FIH Pro League
One of world sport’s most intense rivalries is back. Pakistan will join the 2025-26 FIH Pro League, guaranteeing two high-stakes matches against India, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed Thursday.
The venues for these marquee contests are yet to be finalized, but anticipation is already building. In the current season, India played eight home matches in Bhubaneswar and traveled to Amsterdam and Antwerp for away fixtures — leaving fans guessing whether these showdowns will happen in India, Pakistan, or at a neutral venue.
Pakistan’s Return to Elite Hockey
Pakistan secured entry into the Pro League after finishing runners-up to New Zealand in the FIH Nations Cup earlier this year. When New Zealand declined their invitation, Pakistan was next in line.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram hailed the decision: “Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition. Their return is a milestone for world hockey.”
The 2025-26 season will feature Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, and now Pakistan, with Ireland relegated from the previous campaign.
| India vs Pakistan hockey head-to-head | ||||
| Tournament | Matches | India won | Pakistan won | Draws |
| Test series | 52 | 16 | 25 | 11 |
| Olympic Games | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| World Cup | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Champions Trophy | 19 | 7 | 12 | 0 |
| Asian Games | 16 | 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Asia Cup | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Asian Champions Trophy | 12 | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| Commonwealth Games | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| FIH Hockey World League | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Afro-Asian Games | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Others | 53 | 18 | 23 | 12 |
| TOTAL | 181 | 67 | 82 | 32 |
Hockey’s Most Storied Rivalry
India and Pakistan have a history rich with iconic matches:
♦ Olympics (1956–1964): Three consecutive finals, with India winning two and Pakistan one.
♦ Asian Games: The arch-rivals contested the first six finals, with Pakistan taking six golds and India two.
♦ Asia Cup: Pakistan lifted the first three titles (1982, 1985, 1989) — all against India.
♦ World Cup 1975: India beat Pakistan 2–1 in their only World Cup final meeting, a landmark triumph for Indian hockey.
Why It Matters
For Pakistan, this is a chance to reassert themselves on the global stage after years of decline. For India, it is an opportunity to maintain momentum as a rising hockey powerhouse. Beyond competition, an India–Pakistan match is a cultural and emotional event for millions across the subcontinent.
With the Pro League’s seventh season approaching, the question is clear: Will India extend their dominance, or can Pakistan script a comeback?
