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Pakistan Withdraws from Asian Champions Trophy; Bangladesh Replaces It
Pakistan will not play in the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab.
Its hockey federation had said participation depended on government approval, which it did not receive.
The federation also reportedly asked for a neutral place to host the tournament or Pakistan’s matches.
Hockey India said the venues and schedule would stay as planned.
The Asian Hockey Federation then chose Bangladesh to replace Pakistan.
India is due to play Bangladesh first on October 27.
India’s other league opponents are China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.
Pakistan withdrew from the men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 after not receiving government clearance.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation had sought a neutral venue or neutral locations for Pakistan’s matches.
Hockey India rejected the request, saying the tournament schedule and venues would not change.
The Asian Hockey Federation replaced Pakistan with Bangladesh in the six-team competition.
India’s campaign is scheduled to begin against Bangladesh on October 27, with all five league matches set for 7 p.m. IST.
- Who
- Pakistan withdrew; Bangladesh was named as its replacement in the six-team tournament.
- What
- Pakistan pulled out of the men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 after failing to obtain government clearance.
- Where
- Punjab, India.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2026; the article does not specify when Pakistan’s withdrawal was announced.
- Why
- Pakistan’s participation depended on government clearance, which it did not receive; its request for a neutral venue was rejected.
Pakistan Hockey Federation
Hockey India
Venue arrangements
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The Pakistan Hockey Federation reportedly requested a neutral venue for the tournament or neutral locations for Pakistan’s matches.
Hockey India
Hockey India rejected the proposal and maintained that the venues and schedule would remain unchanged.
Key facts
- Tournament
- Men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026
- Pakistan’s status
- Withdrew after failing to receive government clearance
- Replacement
- Bangladesh
- Teams listed
- India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh
- India’s opening match
- Against Bangladesh on October 27
- India’s league match time
- All five matches are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. IST
- Opening ceremony
- Scheduled for October 27, shortly before India’s tournament opener
Sources
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