Pakistan’s hockey captain has called for the relocation of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, citing rising political tensions between Pakistan and India. Scheduled to run from August 27 to September 7, the 12th edition of the Asia Cup is currently set to be hosted in Rajgir, India.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the captain highlighted the tournament’s significance as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. “The Asia Cup is crucial for us because it determines qualification for the World Cup. Given the current political climate, we believe it would be more appropriate to reconsider the venue,” he said. He also mentioned that Pakistan’s final decision on participation would depend on guidance from the federal government.
The tournament, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), has faced questions over its credibility. Reports have circulated — though unconfirmed — suggesting that Indian authorities might be considering excluding Pakistan from the competition altogether.
The situation has become even more complicated following the Pahalgam incident, which has allegedly led to visa denials for the Pakistani team, putting their involvement in jeopardy. To date, neither the Indian government nor the AHF has issued an official statement regarding these concerns.
In the meantime, the Pakistan team is staying focused on preparations for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup. A strong showing in that competition could see them promoted to the prestigious Pro League. “We are determined to stay focused from the first match,” the captain said. “The players are highly motivated, and we aim to achieve positive results.”
