PHF fires PHL marketing company, starts preparation anew

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has fired the marketing company which had been hired for Pakistan Hockey League (PHL), ‘The News’ learnt on Tuesday, writes Syed Intikhab Ali.

Informed sources said that some companies informed PHF that the marketing company was involved in malpractices. It had got money from some private businesses in the name of sponsorship for PHL.

The PHF investigated the matter and found the marketing company owner involved in corrupt practices. The company got different amounts from private businesses, but there was no practical work on the ground for PHL.

The PHF has once again started preparation for PHL.

PHF secretary Asif Bajwa has said that the PHL would be held in 2020. He has not given exact schedule, but said the league could be organised in the second half of the year.

Sources in the PHF said that contacts have been made with some new sponsors, and talks are continuing with them. When the negotiations complete, the agreement will be signed and the PHL schedule will be announced.

The PHF may announce it with the details of new domestic hockey calendar.

The PHL was announced more than two years ago but due to financial constants and some other reasons, Pakistan’s first ever pro league could not materialise.

The league will also feature foreign players, from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, France and Argentina. The PHF aims to attract at least three to four foreign players for each participating side through effective marketing.