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Pakistan has withdrawn from the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026, which will be held in Punjab, India, from October 27 to November 5. Bangladesh has replaced Pakistan in the six-team tournament following its withdrawal. The matches will be played in Jalandhar and Mohali, with hosts India aiming to win the title on home soil.
The tournament will feature India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Bangladesh. Pakistan reportedly refused to play in India and requested that the competition be moved to a neutral venue.
Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Which 6 Teams Will Play in India?
According to information released by Hockey India, six teams will compete in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Bangladesh has been included in the main tournament after Pakistan pulled out.
The participating teams are:
- India
- Japan
- China
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Bangladesh
The tournament will run from October 27 to November 5, with matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali. The competition will also mark the return of international hockey to Punjab after nearly two decades.
Why Did Pakistan Withdraw from the Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
Pakistan withdrew from the tournament shortly after the schedule was announced. The Pakistan Hockey Federation reportedly approached the Asian Hockey Federation and requested that the competition be held at a neutral venue instead of India.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced details of the tournament in Mohali, with Pakistan initially included among the participating teams. Bangladesh and Oman had been listed as reserve teams at that stage.
Following Pakistan's withdrawal, Bangladesh was promoted to the main competition, completing the six-team lineup.
India Eyes Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Title on Home Soil
India will enter the tournament aiming to continue its strong performance in international hockey. The Indian men's team recently won gold at the Asian Games and secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India has won the Asian Champions Trophy four times and will look to add another title to its record in front of home supporters.
Head coach Craig Fulton has said that the team's focus has shifted to the Asian Champions Trophy following its Asian Games success. Maintaining consistency and carrying forward the team's winning momentum will be key objectives.
India-Pakistan Hockey: Why Have Bilateral Series Remained Suspended?
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral hockey series since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan last participated in the Asian Champions Trophy in India in 2023, when it finished fifth among six teams.
Pakistan also missed the Asia Cup and Junior Asia Cup held in India last year. India's last bilateral hockey tour of Pakistan took place in 2006.
With Pakistan absent from the 2026 edition, Bangladesh will have an opportunity to compete against some of Asia's strongest hockey teams. India, meanwhile, will look to make home advantage count and challenge for another continental title.
Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Dates, Venues and Participating Teams
- Tournament: Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026
- Dates: October 27 to November 5, 2026
- Venues: Jalandhar and Mohali, Punjab
- Participating teams: India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh
- Major update: Bangladesh replaces Pakistan after its withdrawal
- India's target: Win the title on home soil
The tournament will be an important test for India as it builds on its recent Asian Games success. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will get a valuable opportunity to strengthen its position in Asian men's hockey.
