Big News: Pakistan’s boycott to play in India backfires as Bangladesh likely to replace Men in Green in Asia Cup 2025

Bangladesh's Hockey team is likely to replace Pakistan in the men's Asia Cup 2025 hockey tournament, which will be hosted by India from August 29. Bihar's Rajgir will host the tournament, and if Pakistan fails to confirm participation in the next couple of days, Bangladesh will be seen featuring against the Asia Giants in the continental tournament.

The Government of India have already clarified that they will provide visas to the Pakistani players for Asia Cup, but the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has refused to travel, citing security concerns.

PTI reported that the organisers have already approached Bangladesh to fill up Pakistan's place in the eight-team tournament, but Hockey India said the exact scenario will be clear in the next 48 hours.

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"The Indian government has already said that it is will willing to provide visas to Pakistani players but if they don't want to come to India, it's not our problem. Bangladesh has already been invited to participate in case Pakistan doesn't come but we will have to wait for two more days to get the confirmation," the HI official said when quizzed about the situation as quoted by PTI.

"Neither Pakistan or Bangladesh have confirmed anything to us till now. But Bangladesh are likely replacement for Pakistan," he added.

Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup, a qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup, was uncertain after the military confrontation with India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup, a qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup, was uncertain after the military confrontation with India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor to destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan after the terror attack that killed 26 people. PHF had suggested that the tournament be moved out of India to another venue.

Apart from India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman and Chinese Taipei will be seen featuring in the Asia Cup 2025.