Pakistan Pulls Out Of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy In Punjab, Bangladesh To Replace Them

Pakistan have withdrawn from the men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, with Bangladesh set to replace them in the six-team continental hockey tournament scheduled to be held in India from October 27 to November 5.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) decided against sending the national team to India amid strained diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries. Bangladesh have been selected as Pakistan’s replacement following the decision by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

Pakistan had earlier requested the AHF to shift the tournament away from India or arrange for its matches to be played at a neutral venue, citing concerns over the safety of its players and support staff. However, Hockey India maintained that the tournament would go ahead in Punjab as scheduled, refusing to entertain the request for a venue change.

With Pakistan unwilling to participate under the existing arrangements, Bangladesh have now been brought into the competition. Oman had also been considered as a possible replacement, with both countries identified as reserve options earlier.

Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Six Teams Confirmed

The tournament will feature hosts India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. The league-stage matches will be played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2. The competition will then move to Mohali for the semi-finals and medal matches on November 4 and 5. Source

India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27, giving the hosts an immediate opportunity to test themselves against the newly included side.

The tournament’s return to Punjab is significant for Indian hockey, with the state having a rich tradition of producing international players. Hosting matches across Jalandhar and Mohali is also expected to bring continental hockey back into the spotlight in one of the country’s most passionate hockey regions.