Bangladesh Invited to Hockey Asia Cup Following Pakistan’s Withdrawal

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has confirmed that the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has extended an official invitation to Bangladesh to participate in the forthcoming Asia Cup. The federation has accepted the invitation, affirming its involvement in the competition. The invitation was conveyed through Hockey India.

Bangladesh’s inclusion in the Asia Cup comes after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) declared its withdrawal from the tournament due to security concerns.

An official from Hockey India mentioned that the government was willing to provide visas for the Pakistani team. However, the PHF officially declined participation via a letter to the AHF on Wednesday.

“Given Pakistan’s decision, we have now invited Bangladesh to take part in the Asia Cup,” the Hockey India representative stated.

The timing of Pakistan’s withdrawal has sparked speculation, as visa applications were reportedly submitted at the close of July.

The participation of Pakistan in the Junior Hockey World Cup in India later this year also remains uncertain.

The PHF is anticipated to release an official statement concerning its withdrawal from the Asia Cup soon.

The Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Jharkhand, India, from August 27 to September 7.

Earlier in the month, PHF President Tariq Bugti refuted reports in Indian media that Pakistan would not be participating in the Asia Cup. He clarified that a definitive decision had not been reached and that the Government of Pakistan would make the final determination.

Bugti told the media that there had been no discussions regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup.

He restated that participation hinges on the government’s verdict and that the federation would adhere to any issued directives. He stated, “No discussions have occurred regarding participation in the Asia Cup. The decision rests with the government, and we await their announcement.”

Bugti also denied any communication with Hockey India, stating that no such contact had taken place.

“There has been no communication with Hockey India, either in the past or currently. Our correspondence is with the Asian Hockey Federation, not Hockey India,” he explained.

He further dismissed reports that Bangladesh would replace Pakistan in the tournament, asserting that the PHF had not received any such information. “Hockey India is free to extend invitations as they see fit. We are unaware of any invitation extended to Bangladesh in our stead,” he concluded.