Pakistan will not play in the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. Bangladesh will take its place in the six-team tournament, according to reports in the Pakistani media. The competition will be hosted by India in Punjab.
The event is scheduled to run from October 27 to November 5. Jalandhar and Mohali will host the matches. Hockey India's list of participating teams confirms Pakistan's absence from the line-up.
Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026: Full Team List
The six teams set to compete are India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh. Pakistan's name does not appear on the list released by Hockey India.
Pakistan had initially been part of the tournament. Reports state that it sought a neutral venue for its matches. That request was not accepted, and the team will now miss the event entirely.
Why Bangladesh Gets the Spot
Bangladesh steps into the tournament as Pakistan's replacement. This gives Bangladesh a place among Asia's top hockey teams in a competition hosted on Indian soil.
The change marks a significant shift in the line-up. Pakistan is a regular presence in Asian hockey competitions, and its absence changes the shape of the tournament.
Our Take: What This Means for the Tournament
To put it plainly, this is a big change for Asian hockey. Pakistan not playing in a major tournament hosted by India is not just about one team missing out. It shows how sporting events between the two countries continue to be affected by issues beyond the field.
In our view, Bangladesh now has a real opportunity. Playing against India, Japan, South Korea and others is a chance to grow. For fans in Punjab, the tournament will go on with six teams and matches in Jalandhar and Mohali.
What readers should take away is simple: the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be played without Pakistan, and Bangladesh will take its place. The tournament dates and venues remain unchanged.
