Bangladesh replace Pakistan in Asian Hockey Trophy

Key takeaways

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) announced on Friday, 9 October, a revised schedule for the men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy without Pakistan.
Pakistan withdrew after its request to move the tournament, or at least its matches, to a neutral venue was turned down by the AHF and Hockey India.
Bangladesh accepted an invitation to fill the slot; they had been named a reserve team alongside Oman.
The tournament runs 27 October to 5 November in Jalandhar and Mohali, India. The India–Pakistan fixture planned for 1 November no longer exists.
It is the second time a Pakistan hockey team has pulled out of a tournament in India in about a year.

What happened

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) formally asked the AHF either to relocate the whole event or to stage Pakistan's matches at a neutral venue, citing the sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and concerns over the safety and dignity of players and officials. Hockey India and the AHF insisted the tournament would go ahead at the designated venues. The PHF then told the AHF that Pakistan would not travel under the existing arrangements. Dawn notes the PHF chief had earlier said travel was subject to government clearance.

Revised event

Item	Detail
Teams (6)	India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Bangladesh
League stage	27 October – 2 November, Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar
Opening match	India v Bangladesh, 27 October
Semi-finals	4 November, Mohali
Final	5 November, Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, Mohali
Defending champions	India (won in Chennai 2023 and Hulunbuir, China 2024)

Background

Pakistan also withdrew from last year's Junior World Cup in India, where Oman replaced them, according to Sportstar. The two sides most recently met in the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, which India won 4–3 before retaining the gold; Dawn separately reported Pakistan's hockey team won a comeback bronze there. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier suggested Pakistan was expected to take part, referring to India's policy of allowing neighbouring countries to compete in multi-nation events.

What to watch

Whether the PHF or Pakistan's sports authorities issue a formal statement on the decision and any consequences for ranking or qualification.
How the AHF handles future events hosted in India and the neutral-venue question.
Pakistan's upcoming hockey calendar, now that the October–November window is free.

Bangladesh replace Pakistan in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after neutral-venue request is rejected

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