Why Bangladesh replaced Pakistan at the last minute in Asian Champions Trophy hockey | Hockey News
NEW DELHI: Pakistan have officially withdrawn from the men’s Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, with Bangladesh stepping in as their replacement for the six-team continental hockey tournament scheduled from October 27 to November 5. The decision sets up an India-Bangladesh clash on the opening day after the Asian Hockey Federation announced the full match schedule on Friday.Pakistan’s withdrawal comes amid uncertainty over the team’s participation in India, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) previously stating that the tour would depend on government clearance. The development follows a September report by Dawn, which quoted PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani as saying the federation would follow the government’s instructions regarding the team’s visit.With Pakistan pulling out, Bangladesh will join defending champions India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and China in the tournament. The replacement comes less than three weeks before the opening match, leaving Bangladesh to prepare for a late entry into the competition.Pakistan’s decision also comes against the backdrop of sporting exchanges between the neighbouring countries being affected by cross-border travel restrictions. While some bilateral and multi-team competitions involving India and Pakistan have used neutral venues, hosting the Asian Champions Trophy at a neutral location was not part of the announced arrangements.
India to open campaign against Bangladesh
Fresh from defending their Asian Games gold medal in Japan, India will enter the tournament as the highest-ranked side and the most successful team in Asian Champions Trophy history, with five titles to their name.The hosts will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27, shortly after the opening ceremony. India will then face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2. All five of India’s league matches are scheduled to start at 7 pm IST.The six teams will play a single round-robin league phase, with each side facing the other five. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 4, while the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches will take place on November 5.India’s previous Asian Champions Trophy triumphs came in 2011, 2016, 2018 — when they shared the title with Pakistan — 2023 and 2024. The team will look to extend that record in front of a home crowd after its recent success at the Asian Games.
Gold medallist India’s players during the medal ceremony for the men’s hockey event. (PTI Photo)
Punjab to host tournament across two venues
The tournament will be staged at two venues in Punjab — the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.Jalandhar will host all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2, before the tournament moves to Mohali for the semi-finals and medal matches. October 28, October 31 and November 3 have been designated as rest days.The event carries special significance for Punjab, widely regarded as a nursery of Indian hockey and home to generations of players who have shaped the country’s hockey legacy. The tournament’s return to the state is expected to bring international hockey closer to its passionate fan base.“The announcement of the match schedule adds to the excitement for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. We are delighted to welcome the teams from across Asia to Punjab and look forward to witnessing some high-quality hockey,” Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said.Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added: “With the schedule now announced, the countdown to the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 has truly begun. Hockey India is proud to host the participating nations and showcase the passion and hospitality of Punjab. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament that brings fans closer to the sport while giving every team an opportunity to perform at the highest level.”
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