HI Contacts Gov: 'Don't Think Pakistan Will Be Allowed In Men's Hockey Asia Cup'

Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 15:12 IST

Pakistan's participation in the Men's Hockey Asia Cup in India is uncertain due to the Pahalgam terror attack.

(Credit: AFP)

Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s Asia Cup in India is uncertain due to increased demands for their exclusion following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. According to a Hockey India official, discussions with the government are ongoing, and a final decision is pending.

Rajgir, a historic city in Bihar, will host the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 from August 29 to September 9 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. The recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, has put Pakistan’s participation in jeopardy. With less than two months remaining for the tournament, Hockey India is still awaiting government clearance for Pakistan’s arrival.

“We are in contact with the government and will follow its instructions. Given the current situation, I don’t think the Pakistan team will be allowed to participate," a Hockey India official told IANS.

The Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament winner will secure a spot in the World Cup.

India will also host the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Pakistan’s participation in the junior event is also in doubt due to calls for their exclusion following the Pahalgam attack. They were grouped with archrivals India in the expanded 24-team tournament.

Pakistan’s men’s hockey team last visited India in 2023 for the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team defeated Malaysia 4-3 in the final to claim a record fourth title.

What Happens To Cricket’s Asia Cup?

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) plans to release the schedule for the six-team tournament in the first week of July. This year, the tournament will be played in the T20 format, with the organisers aiming for a start date of September 10.

If everything goes according to plan, the Asia Cup 2025 will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The UAE remains the leading contender to host the tournament.

There are discussions about holding the Asia Cup in a hybrid model. Although India is the designated host for the tournament this year, the ACC had previously decided that whenever it is India’s or Pakistan’s turn to host the Asia Cup, the competition would be held at a neutral venue.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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News sports HI Contacts Gov: 'Don't Think Pakistan Will Be Allowed In Men's Hockey Asia Cup'