Pakistan Gets Snubbed from Azlan Shah Cup Over Unpaid Debt

Pakistan, last year’s runners-up, has been excluded from the Azlan Shah Cup due to an outstanding debt owed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation to the Malaysian Hockey Federation. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue and extend an invitation. Defending champions Japan will also miss the tournament due to prior commitments.

The Malaysian Hockey Federation has not invited last year's runners-up, Pakistan, to the Azlan Shah Cup this year, citing an outstanding debt as the reason for the exclusion.

A source within the Pakistan Hockey Federation revealed that poor decisions by a former official left the PHF in financial arrears to the MHF following the last tournament.

Despite the current impasse, there is hope for resolution. Current officials are working to resolve the debt issue, and they anticipate an invitation to be extended later this week. Meanwhile, defending champions Japan will also be absent from the tournament due to conflicting commitments.

(With inputs from agencies.)