India's Hockey Pro League fixtures affected as postponement extended to 17 May due to coronavirus pandemic

The International Hockey Federation on 19 March extended its suspension of all Pro League matches, including fixtures involving India, to 17 May owing to the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to over 9000 deaths across the world.

Last Saturday, the FIH had postponed all the Pro League matches scheduled before 15 April because of the pandemic. "Based on the latest developments of the COVID-19 outbreak and in particular of the response to it by the relevant public authorities globally, FIH, with the support of all participating National Associations, has today decided to extend the postponement period of the FIH Hockey Pro League to 17 May," the sport's world body said in a statement.

"Consequently, all matches currently scheduled until 17 May are on hold. FIH will keep on monitoring the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the decisions of the public authorities." The Indian men's team was scheduled to play against Germany in Berlin on 25 April and 26 April before taking on Great Britain in London on 2 May and 3 May.

India are then scheduled to host New Zealand on 23 May and 24 May before travelling to Tucuman, Argentina for matches on 5 June 5 and 6 June. India's last tie in FIH Pro League is against Spain in Valencia on 13 June and 14 June.

New Zealand and Australia had already decided not to travel to Europe for their upcoming games. The COVID-19 pandemic has so far claimed over 9000 lives and infected more than 2,00,000 people worldwide, leading to cancellation and postponement of sporting events across the globe.

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