Bangladesh Replaces Pakistan in Asian Hockey Trophy

Bangladesh will replace Pakistan in the six-team Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after Pakistan declined to travel to India and its request for neutral venues was rejected, the published tournament schedule shows. The competition is scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. Pakistan’s place in the lineup had been uncertain in reports on October 8, but the schedule published the following day lists Bangladesh against India in the opening match on October 27 in Jalandhar. Pakistan does not appear among the six participating teams: India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea. The Pakistan Hockey Federation said it had asked the Asian Hockey Federation to move the tournament to a neutral country or arrange Pakistan’s matches at neutral venues. The federation cited the bilateral situation and concerns about the safety of players and officials. It also said Pakistan was willing to compete against India at an impartial venue. Hockey India rejected the request and maintained the tournament’s planned venues and schedule, according to reports describing the decision.