Pakistan Excluded from Azlan Shah Cup Due to Alleged Debt Issues

The Pakistan Hockey Federation was not invited to the Azlan Shah Cup due to alleged outstanding debts to the Malaysian Hockey Federation. Sources within the PHF indicate poor decisions by a former official led to this debt. However, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid dismissed these claims as rumors. Pakistan had a commendable performance in the 2024 tournament, reaching the finals but is set to miss the upcoming event in November 2025, while other nations compete.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has faced disappointment as they were not invited to the upcoming Azlan Shah Cup due to alleged outstanding debts to the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF). Sources within the PHF suggest that poor decisions by a previous official led to this financial situation, which affected their invitation to participate in this prestigious tournament scheduled for November 2025.

The MHF’s decision to exclude Pakistan from the tournament was partly due to these unresolved financial issues. Reportedly, the PHF is in debt to the MHF following actions taken during the last Azlan Shah Cup. A PHF spokesperson stated that a former official’s decisions contributed to this ongoing financial burden causing dissatisfaction from the MHF.

Despite these claims, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid rejected the notion of outstanding debt, urging stakeholders not to rely on rumors. He affirmed that the MHF had not communicated any issues directly with the PHF concerning financial obligations.

In 2024, Pakistan performed admirably at the Azlan Shah Cup, achieving three victories and two draws, ultimately reaching the finals where they lost to Japan. This impressive performance highlights the disappointment of the PHF in missing out on the upcoming tournament and the implications of decisions made within their organization.

Teams such as Belgium, India, Germany, Malaysia, Ireland, and Canada are set to participate in the Azlan Shah Cup this November, vying for the prestigious title amid Pakistan’s absence from the competition.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s exclusion from the Azlan Shah Cup due to alleged financial debts has sparked controversy and disappointment. Despite claims from a PHF source regarding poor financial decisions, Secretary Rana Mujahid dismissed these allegations, calling for skepticism towards rumors. Thus, while Pakistan’s strong performance in the previous year’s tournament is noted, the implications of internal decisions may hinder their opportunity to compete internationally. With other nations participating, the absence of Pakistan raises questions about the future of hockey in the country and the management of its federation.

Original Source: www.republicworld.com