The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly stepped in to assist the financially-struggling Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in securing participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League. As per Telecom Asia, the PCB is expected to bear full financial and operational responsibility for the hockey team’s campaign, sidelining the PHF from control over expenditure. This development follows the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) invitation to Pakistan to join the league after New Zealand’s exit. The PHF, battling a severe cash crunch, was initially given until 12 August to confirm entry. However, a deadline extension to 20 August was granted to facilitate ongoing talks with the national government. With the participation cost amounting to nearly PKR 700 million (approx. USD 2.5 million), the PHF had reached out to the Pakistan Sports Board. Now, with the PCB’s possible intervention, funding may come from the federal budget allocated for youth development programmes. Read also: Chris Woakes' Grit Shines in Oval Defeat to Team India Cricket Board to Assume Complete Charge of Campaign If finalised, the PCB’s aid will come with stringent terms. This arrangement effectively strips the PHF of all financial autonomy for the league. The federation is reportedly unwilling to relinquish control, but with limited resources, it may have little choice. A source quoted by Telecom Asia confirmed, "It’s confirmed. PCB will take care of all the financial and administrative aspects of it, with no interference from the PHF. PCB will appoint its own personnel and possibly contract event organizers to execute the planned move. If the PCB funds the Pro League, PHF will have no control over financial transactions." Government officials have not publicly commented on the PCB’s funding pathway, but insiders suggest that the move reflects an urgent need to salvage Pakistan’s participation in international hockey, especially as the nation faces ongoing administrative turmoil within its sports federations.