Asia Cup will go on without Pakistan, as they refuse to play in India

Bangladesh replaced the three-time Asia Cup hockey champions as AHF issued new schedule

Pakistan, three-time Asia Cup champions, will not play at the Asia Cup 2025 in Bihar.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation decided not to send the team to India, citing security issues, and informed both the IHF and AHF.

Pakistan will be missing out on the chance to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 by not participating in the event.

India and Pakistan have been involved in a war in May, and the diplomatic relations between the neighbours have been deteriorating ever since.

Subsequently, the Green Shirts were replaced by Bangladesh in their group B.

The AHF issued the new tournament schedule on Tuesday, August 19.

The event will be held in Rajgir from August 29to September 7, 2025.

“This continental championship will not only crown the best team in Asia, but also the winners of Hero Asia Cup 2025 will qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium –Netherlands 2026,” the AHF issued a press release on August 19.

“The tournament will open on 29 August with an exciting day of action, featuring reigning champions Korea beginning their title defense against Chinese Taipei at 11:00, and hosts India facing China at 15:00 in front of an expected passionate home crowd.”

They elaborated that changes are also made in Group A as Oman have also withdrawn from the event, therefore, Kazakhstan are completing the line-up now.

“The participating nations are divided into two pools: Pool A consists of India, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B includes Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei,” the AHF further elaborated in the statement.

“The pool stage will be followed by the Super4s, with the Final on 7 September 2025 between the teams finishing first and second in the Super4s. The champion will lift the Hero Asia Cup 2025 Trophy and secure Asia’s spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium–Netherlands 2026.”

The AHF President Fumio Ogura also highlighted the importance of the event, “The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 will bring together the very best of Asian hockey. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match will carry enormous importance. We are confident this edition will showcase thrilling competition, inspire millions of fans, and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia.”