India rejects Pakistan request to move Asian Champions Trophy matches

India has rejected a request from Pakistan to move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy out of Punjab as Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said there would be no change to the venue. 

According to India media reports, Bhola Nath said Pakistan’s request would not be entertained and that the team would have to travel to India if it wanted to participate.

“No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this. If they want to play in the Asian Champions Trophy, they will have to come to India,” Bhola said.

Bhola also said Bangladesh and Oman were available as potential replacements if Pakistan decided not to travel to India. “We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan’s place,” he said. Pakistan has approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) seeking changes to the tournament arrangements, with the event scheduled to be held in Mohali from October 27.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has asked the continental body either to move the tournament out of India or shift all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed the request in an official statement on Wednesday, saying the federation had taken the step after considering the current sensitive relations between India and Pakistan.

The federation also cited concerns over the safety of the Pakistan contingent, saying the request was aimed at ensuring a secure environment for players and support staff during the tournament. 

The 2026 Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to feature six teams including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.