Pakistan has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to relocate the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy from India or, at minimum, to have all of Pakistan’s matches held at a neutral venue. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) conveyed this stance on Wednesday, emphasizing the sensitive political climate between the two nations.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani stated that the federation has officially communicated its concerns to the AHF, seeking either a complete shift of the tournament or the relocation of Pakistan’s fixtures to a neutral site. Wani expressed, “We have asked for the tournament to be moved to a neutral venue or, alternatively, for all Pakistan matches to be played at such a venue.” This development raises questions about Pakistan’s involvement, despite prior assurances from Indian officials that the team would participate in India.

The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is slated to take place from October 27 to November 5 in Punjab, India. Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and league matches from October 27 to November 2, while the semi-finals and final are scheduled for Mohali on November 4 and 5, respectively, as outlined by Hockey India.

Six teams are confirmed for the event: defending champions India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. Bangladesh and Oman have been named as reserve teams should any withdrawals occur. Pakistan and India are set to face each other during the league phase in Jalandhar on November 1.

Wani clarified that the PHF cannot independently confirm Pakistan’s participation, as it awaits approval from the federal government. The federation will abide by the government’s decision regarding travel to India. He also noted that the earlier statement by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, which confirmed Pakistan’s participation, does not influence the PHF’s official position. Mann had announced on September 14 that Pakistan would compete, highlighting that India’s policy permits Pakistani participation in multinational sporting events despite restrictions on bilateral series.

These conflicting views mean Pakistan’s involvement remains uncertain, with the PHF now pushing for either a venue change or neutral arrangements for its matches.

This development occurs amid renewed strains in India-Pakistan sports relations. Recently, the Indian women’s cricket team refused to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from the Asian Cricket Council president, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, following their victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai. The Indian team’s absence at the trophy presentation, directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, echoed a similar incident during last year’s men’s Asia Cup.

Unlike bilateral series, the hockey tournament is a continental competition. Hockey India has included Pakistan among participants, but the PHF maintains that Pakistan’s participation depends on government clearance.

Pakistan has previously withdrawn from an India-hosted hockey event amid diplomatic tensions, notably pulling out of the 2025 Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu amid escalating bilateral strains. The current request for neutral venues places the tournament organizers in a challenging position, potentially requiring alternative arrangements if Pakistan’s demands persist.

For now, the tournament schedule remains as planned, with league matches in Jalandhar and knockout rounds in Mohali. Pakistan’s scheduled match against India on November 1 continues to be part of the official program.