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

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 on Friday 9 October. Bangladesh have accepted. The withdrawal was also reported in India by Bhaskar English.

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). 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 as they are confirmed.