Bangladesh has been included in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in place of Pakistan after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) declined to send a team to the tournament in India.
According to sources, the PHF refused to participate in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5. Following Pakistan’s withdrawal, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) invited Bangladesh to participate, and Bangladesh has confirmed its entry into the tournament.
India will host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, with matches scheduled to be played in Jalandhar and Mohali. The tournament will feature Malaysia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh. The organisers had kept Oman as an alternative team alongside Bangladesh. The updated tournament draw is expected to be announced tomorrow.
It is worth mentioning here that PHF has earlier announced that the national team will not travel to India for the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026, citing security concerns and strained bilateral relations.
The PHF has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to move Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue, saying the proposal would allow the national team to participate in the tournament in a safe and suitable environment.
PHF President Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani said the decision was taken to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of Pakistan’s players and officials.
Wani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting the Asian Champions Trophy and international hockey, stressing that the country remains willing to play against all International Hockey Federation (FIH) member nations, including India.
“We are ready to play against all FIH member countries, including India,” Wani said, reiterating the PHF’s position that sports should remain free from politics. The PHF president expressed hope that the AHF would positively consider Pakistan’s request for a neutral venue, allowing the national team to participate fully and without interruption.
The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 is scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea are among the teams originally listed to participate in the tournament.