Pakistan withdraws from Asian Champions Trophy
KARACHI – Pakistan will not send its national hockey team to the men's Asian Champions Trophy in India, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided, citing security concerns and the current state of relations between the two countries. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said the safety of players and officials was the federation's main concern.
Bangladesh steps in
The Asian Hockey Federation has moved ahead with a revised schedule without Pakistan, with Bangladesh set to take the vacant place in the six-team event. The tournament runs from October 27 to November 5 in Punjab, with league matches at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2 and further games in Mohali.
Venue request rejected
Hockey India maintained that the tournament would go ahead in Punjab as scheduled and declined a request to change the venue. India enter as defending champions, and the event marks the return of continental hockey to a state with a rich tradition of producing international players. The absence removes one of Asia's most storied hockey nations from a traditionally fiercely contested tournament, adding a political undertone to the event.
Also Read: PSL 12 dates revealed as eight teams prepare for another title battle
Pattern of withdrawals
The decision follows Pakistan's exits from the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir and the Junior World Cup in India last year. In July 2025 the Pakistan Sports Board told national federations not to commit to events in India without prior consultation. Pakistan has repeatedly proposed neutral venues, a hybrid approach the two countries have already used in cricket.
