Just days after Pakistan was expected to travel to India for the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, its hockey federation has asked for the tournament, or all Pakistan matches to be shifted to a neutral venue.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally asked the Asian Hockey Federation to move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of India or allow all of Pakistan’s matches to be staged at a neutral venue, citing the sensitive bilateral situation and security concerns.
NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in India has become uncertain after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) sought a major change to the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
The tournament is scheduled to be played in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, 2026, with matches planned in Jalandhar and Mohali.
PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the federation had formally approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), asking it either to relocate the tournament outside India or arrange a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches.
Pakistan Cites Security and Bilateral Situation
According to the PHF, the request was made in view of the current bilateral situation between India and Pakistan and concerns surrounding the security and environment for Pakistan’s players and officials.
Importantly, Pakistan has not said that it is unwilling to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy altogether. The federation maintains that it remains prepared to compete against other FIH member nations, including India, but wants its matches moved away from the tournament’s scheduled Indian venues.
- Move the entire Men’s Asian Champions Trophy outside India; or
- Stage all of Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue.
- Pakistan says it remains willing to face India.
Hockey India Rejects Neutral-Venue Proposal
The proposal has met resistance from the Indian side. Hockey India Secretary General and Asian Hockey Federation vice-president Bhola Nath Singh has indicated that there is no plan to change the venue and that the competition is scheduled to proceed in India.
The Indian position means Pakistan may eventually have to decide whether to travel to Punjab under the existing schedule or withdraw if the AHF does not accept its neutral-venue request.
Major Reversal Within Days
The development represents a notable change from the situation only a few days earlier.
On September 14, reports indicated that Pakistan was set to participate in the Asian Champions Trophy in India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had said Pakistan would be among the six participating teams, while India’s policy allows athletes from Pakistan to compete in multilateral sporting events hosted in India.
Pakistan All Set to Play Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in India in October
Earlier reports had indicated that Pakistan would travel to India for the tournament. The latest PHF request for a neutral venue has now created uncertainty over that participation.
Read the full article →Bangladesh or Oman Could Replace Pakistan
Tournament organisers have alternatives available if Pakistan ultimately withdraws. Bangladesh and Oman have been identified as reserve teams and could be considered for inclusion if a participating nation pulls out.
However, no final withdrawal by Pakistan has been announced. The immediate question is whether the Asian Hockey Federation will consider the PHF’s proposal or maintain the existing India-based schedule.
Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Teams and Venues
| Tournament | Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 |
| Dates | October 27 – November 5, 2026 |
| Host | India |
| Venues | Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab |
| Participating Teams | India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea |
| Reserve Teams | Bangladesh and Oman |
What Happens Next?
Attention will now turn to the Asian Hockey Federation and whether it formally responds to Pakistan’s request.
If the existing schedule remains unchanged and Pakistan declines to travel to India, organisers could activate one of the reserve teams. If a compromise is reached, Pakistan could still take part in the competition under revised arrangements.
For now, the tournament remains scheduled to take place in Punjab from October 27, while Pakistan’s participation under the current venue arrangement remains unresolved.
