# Pakistan pull out of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 in India, Bangladesh take their place

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/sports/pakistan-pull-out-of-asian-hockey-champions-trophy-2026-in-india-bangladesh-take)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 9 Oct 2026
Updated: 9 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 9 Oct 2026

> The PHF refused to travel to India after its request for a neutral venue was turned down. The tournament runs from 27 October to 5 November.

**Pakistan will not play the men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026**, which India hosts from **27 October to 5 November**. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) refused to send the team to India after asking for a change of venue or for Pakistan's matches to be moved to a neutral country, and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has invited **Bangladesh** to take Pakistan's place, [Minute Mirror reported](https://minutemirror.com.pk/bangladesh-replace-pakistan-in-asian-hockey-champions-trophy-2026-641740/) on Friday 9 October. Bangladesh have accepted. The withdrawal was also reported in India by [Bhaskar English](https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/news/pakistan-withdraw-hockey-asian-champions-trophy-2026-india-bangladesh-to-participate-139296700.html).

## The six teams now

- India (hosts)
- China
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Bangladesh

The draw was due to be announced on 9 October.

## Why Pakistan said no

The PHF's position was that Pakistan should not have to travel to India in the current situation, and it did not change that position after the venue request was not met. Neither the PHF nor the AHF has released a public statement with further detail.

## What Pakistan lose

The missed matches cost Pakistan ranking points and top-level games after a strong Asian Games, where they won **bronze by beating South Korea 5-3** ([our report](/news/sports/pakistan-hockey-team-schedule-results)). Pakistan had opened that tournament with a 9-0 win.

The team's next fixtures will be added to our [Pakistan hockey schedule and results page](/news/sports/pakistan-hockey-team-schedule-results) as they are confirmed.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is Pakistan playing the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026?**

No. The PHF withdrew after a request for a neutral venue was not met, and Bangladesh replaced Pakistan.

**When is the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026?**

From 27 October to 5 November 2026 in India.

## Sources

- Bangladesh replace Pakistan in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 (9 Oct 2026) (Minute Mirror): https://minutemirror.com.pk/bangladesh-replace-pakistan-in-asian-hockey-champions-trophy-2026-641740/
- Pakistan withdraw from Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India (9 Oct 2026) (Bhaskar English): https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/news/pakistan-withdraw-hockey-asian-champions-trophy-2026-india-bangladesh-to-participate-139296700.html

How to cite: "Pakistan pull out of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 in India, Bangladesh take their place", Searchable, 9 Oct 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/sports/pakistan-pull-out-of-asian-hockey-champions-trophy-2026-in-india-bangladesh-take