New Delhi: Pakistan has pulled out of the upcoming Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with Bangladesh drafted in as their replacement. The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) confirmed the development alongside the revised tournament itinerary, ending speculation surrounding the participation of the three-time champions.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had reportedly sought neutral venues for their matches due to lingering political and bilateral tensions between the two neighbours. However, the proposal was turned down by Hockey India and the AHF, ultimately leading to Pakistan’s exclusion from the marquee six-nation competition.
With Pakistan’s departure, Bangladesh will now join host nation India, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and China in the battle for continental silverware. The revised schedule places Bangladesh directly in the spotlight on opening night, where they take on defending champions India at Jalandhar following the official opening ceremony on October 27.
All preliminary round matches are slated to be staged at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar through November 2. The tournament will then shift to Mohali’s Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium for the knockout fixtures, including the semi-finals on November 4 and the final on November 5.
