Pakistan withdraw from Asian Champions Trophy; Bangladesh replace them as India open defence
The men's hockey tournament runs from 27 October to 5 November, with league games in Jalandhar and the knockouts in Mohali.
· 1 min read
Pakistan have pulled out of the 2026 men's Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab after their request for a neutral venue was refused. Bangladesh have been invited to take their place, and India now open their title defence against Bangladesh on 27 October.
Key takeaways
- Pakistan withdrew after Hockey India and the Asian Hockey Federation refused a venue change.
- Bangladesh were invited as the replacement; Oman had been named as a reserve.
- The tournament runs 27 October to 5 November in Jalandhar and Mohali.
- Defending champions India open against Bangladesh on 27 October.
Pakistan will not take part in the 2026 men's Asian Champions Trophy in India. Their federation had asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to move the tournament or play Pakistan's matches at a neutral venue, citing the safety of players and staff. Hockey India and the AHF said the event would go ahead in Punjab as planned, and Pakistan declined to travel.
Bangladesh step in
The AHF invited Bangladesh to fill the vacant place, and reports say they have accepted. Oman had also been named as a reserve.
The six teams are India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.
Format and dates
Dates: 27 October to 5 November
League matches: Jalandhar
Semi-finals and final: Mohali
Opening match: India vs Bangladesh, 27 October, after the opening ceremony
India are the defending champions and arrive in form after retaining their Asian Games title with a 5-1 win over Malaysia in the final.
Sources
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