Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has reportedly not invited the previous editions' runners-up Pakistan team for the Azlan Shah Cup 2025 which is scheduled to be played in November. This decision is attributed to an 'outstanding debt' owed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
Pakistan not invited for Azlan Shah Cup 2025
According to a source within the PHF, a former official made some 'bad decisions' during the last Azlan Shah Cup, resulting in the PHF incurring debt to the MHF. The Malaysian organisers are reportedly not happy with this unresolved situation, leading to Pakistan's exclusion from the initial list of invitees. The source further mentioned that PHF officials are actively working to resolve the matter with the MHF, expressing hope that an invitation will be extended later this week.
"A former official of the PHF made some bad decisions during the last Azlan Shah Cup which left the PHF in debt to the MHF," a source privy to the development told PTI.
The strong historical hockey connections between Pakistan and Malaysia make it imperative that this current issue is resolved amicably, the source emphasized.
In other tournament news, defending champions Japan will be notably absent from this year's Azlan Shah Cup due to pre-existing commitments.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was initially established in 1983 as a biennial competition. However, its popularity and significance led to it becoming an annual event starting in 1998. Australia holds the record for the most tournament wins with an impressive 10 titles, followed by India with five victories. Pakistan has also tasted success in the competition, lifting the coveted trophy three times to date.
Pakistan is currently grappling with an economic crisis, evidenced by a staggering 27.5 per cent surge in the consumer price index in January 2023 – marking the highest inflation rate in almost half a century. Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) further illustrates the severity of the situation, revealing that the government's borrowing from commercial banks reached an unprecedented PKR 5.5 trillion between July 1, 2023, and April 5, 2024. The Pakistani economy is facing a precarious situation where the majority of revenue generated is being channeled towards repaying domestic debt and its accruing interest. This substantial financial outflow severely limits the government's capacity to initiate new development programs, often resulting in significant cuts to existing development funds across various sectors.