Pakistan Hockey Faces Humiliation After Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Snub, Denies Outstanding Debt

The Pakistan hockey team was reportedly snubbed by the Malaysian Hockey Federation and was not invited to the Azlan Shah Cup this November owing to an "outstanding debt."

"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," news agency PTI quoted a source in the PHF.

The Malaysian organisers were "not happy" with the situation and didn't extend an invite to Pakistan, last year's runners-up.

The source said the PHF officials were trying to resolve the matter with the MHF, and hopefully, the invite will arrive later this week.

"Pakistan and Malaysia have very strong hockey ties built over the years and this issue should be sorted out," he added.

Defending champions Japan will miss out because of prior commitments.

However, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid has denied the claims, calling it baseless gossip.

"No truth in rumours about dues owed to Malaysian Hockey Federation," said Mujahid while addressing the media.

Pakistan had an impressive run in the 2024 edition, where they were undefeated in the group stage. They reached the final, where they lost 4-1 in a penalty shootout to Japan

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