Ahead of the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018, Pakistan team was in danger of not participating in the tournament. Not because of tense relations with hosts India, but due to the empty coffers of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). The hockey’s governing body in Pakistan had no money to bear the expenses of sending its team to participate in the Hockey World Cup 2018. However, the team finally flew to India and it was possible only because of Javed Afridi, CEO of Haier Electronics in Pakistan, who sponsored the team.

The electronics giant in Pakistan came forward to support the national team after the PHF officials approached Afridi. “The PHF officials approached me a few days ago and I instantly decided to help them out. That's how we signed the sponsorship deal,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Sportstar. Hockey World Cup 2018: Here’s What You Need to Know About the Mega Event in Odisha.

Afridi is also the chairman of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Peshawar Zalmi and is doing his bit to promote the sports culture in his country. Interestingly, at the Hockey World Cup 2018, Pakistan team’s jersey besides sponsor Haier’s name will also have Peshawar Zalmi’s logo on it.

Peshawar Zalmi happens to be the most valuable franchise in the PSL T20 league. The team won the second edition of PSL defeating Quetta Gladiators. However, last season they failed to defend the title and lost to Islamabad United in the finals. Hockey World Cup 2018 Schedule & Timetable in IST: Check Out Complete Fixtures & Venue of FIH 2018 Men's Hockey WC Matches in Odisha.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are placed in Pool D of the Hockey World Cup 2018 alongside Germany, Malaysia and Netherlands. The team plays its first match on December 01 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2018 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).