Bangladesh are set to take Pakistan's place in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy following the Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) decision not to send the national side to India amid escalating diplomatic tensions. The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) had formally invited the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) to participate in the six-team tournament, which India will host from October 27 to November 5.

According to sources, the AHF is expected to make an official announcement on Friday, while the tournament draw is also scheduled to be unveiled on the same day. The competition will feature hosts India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh, with matches scheduled to be played in Jalandhar and Mohali.

The PHF had requested that the tournament be moved to a neutral venue or that Pakistan's matches be staged at a neutral venue, but Hockey India rejected the proposal. With the PHF maintaining its position regarding security concerns and diplomatic tensions, the AHF decided to include Bangladesh as Pakistan's replacement.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani had stated that the decision not to send the team to India was taken in view of sensitive bilateral situations and the safety of players. Wani reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the Asian Champions Trophy and international hockey development, emphasizing that sport should be kept separate from politics.

The development follows statements from Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding multinational sporting events and policies concerning neighboring countries. India are the defending champions after winning the 2023 edition in Chennai and retaining the title in 2024, while Pakistan previously withdrew from the Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu.