Why Bangladesh replaced Pakistan at the last minute in hockey’s Asian Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s ice hockey team during the 2026 Asian Games. (Photo by Reuters) NEW DELHI: Pakistan have officially pulled out of 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 the India-Bangladesh clash on the opening day after the Asian Hockey Federation announced the full fixture list on Friday.Pakistan’s withdrawal comes at a time of uncertainty over the team’s participation in India, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) earlier saying the tour would depend on government clearance. The development follows a Dawn report in September that quoted PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani as saying that the federation would follow the government’s instructions regarding the team’s visit.After Pakistan’s withdrawal, Bangladesh will join defending champions India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and China in the tournament. The substitution comes less than three weeks before the opening match, so Bangladesh must prepare for a late entry into the competition.Pakistan’s decision also comes against the backdrop of sports exchanges between neighboring countries being affected by restrictions on cross-border travel. While some bilateral and multi-team competitions involving India and Pakistan used neutral venues, hosting the Asian Champions Trophy at a neutral venue was not part of the announced measures.

India launched a campaign against Bangladesh

Fresh from defending their gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, India will enter the tournament as the highest-ranked team and the most successful team in the history of the Asian Champions Trophy with five titles under their belt.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 one-round league stage, pitting each side against the other five. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 4, while the bronze and gold 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 – in 2023 and 2024. The team will be looking to extend that record in front of their home crowd after their recent success at the Asian Games.

India’s gold medal players during the medal ceremony for the men’s hockey event. (PTI Photo)

Punjab will host the tournament at two venues

The tournament will be held 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 the league stage matches from October 27 to November 2 before the tournament moves to Mohali for the semi-final and medal matches. October 28, October 31, and November 3 were designated as non-working days.The event holds special significance for Punjab, widely regarded as the nursery of Indian hockey and home to generations of players who shaped the country’s hockey legacy. The return of the tournament to the state is expected to bring international hockey closer to its passionate fan base.“The announcement of the fixture adds to the excitement for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. We are delighted to welcome teams from across Asia to Punjab and look forward to witnessing some quality hockey,” Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said.Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh added, “With the schedule 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 will bring fans closer to the sport while giving every team the opportunity to perform at the highest level.”