Pakistan has formally asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of India. It has also offered another option. Pakistan wants all its matches to take place at a neutral venue. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) cited the “sensitive bilateral situation and security conditions” between the two countries. However, the federation has not withdrawn from the tournament. It also has not refused to play India. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request in an official statement. He said the federation wants a safe environment for its players and officials. “The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to relocate the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 tournament or shift all of Pakistan's matches to a neutral venue,” Wani said. “This decision has been made in light of the current sensitive bilateral situation and security conditions between Pakistan and India, ensuring a safe, dignified, and conducive environment for our national players and officials.” The request came days after Punjab received confirmation as the tournament host. The competition will run from October 27 to November 5. Jalandhar will host the league matches. Mohali will host the semi-finals and final. India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in Jalandhar on November 1. The match will also take place on Punjab Day. Two days earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed Pakistan’s participation. He said, “There is no problem in multi-national tournaments. Maybe individual series (India and Pakistan) cannot take place.”

Pakistan Says It Will Play India

The PHF has not pulled out of the tournament. It also has not ruled out a match against India. Wani said Pakistan remains committed to the Asian Champions Trophy. He also stressed the need to keep sports separate from politics. “Pakistan remains fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the global promotion of hockey. We are prepared to play against all FIH member nations, including India, and stand firmly by the principle of keeping sports separate from politics,” he said. Wani also asked the AHF to consider Pakistan’s neutral-venue proposal. “We strongly hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will favorably consider our honorable proposal for a neutral venue to ensure Pakistan's uninterrupted and full participation.” The tournament currently has six teams. Defending champions India will compete alongside Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea. Pakistan’s request has created uncertainty around the India-Pakistan match in Jalandhar. The AHF and PHF will need to reach an agreement on the venue if Pakistan’s proposal moves forward.

Pakistan Previously Withdrew From Junior World Cup

Pakistan also withdrew from the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in 2025. Chennai and Madurai hosted that tournament.Oman later replaced Pakistan in the competition. The AHF has not yet announced its decision on Pakistan’s latest request. Pakistan remains committed to the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy. It is seeking a neutral venue for its matches because of the current situation between the two countries.