Hockey India plan to replace Pakistan with Bangladesh for Asia Cup

Hockey India have stated that Pakistan will be replaced by Bangladesh for the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, unless they confirm their participation within a few days.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns. It is understood that the Indian government agreed to provide visas to the Pakistanis for the Asia Cup.

The organisers have approached Bangladesh to take up Pakistan's slot. "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," an HI official told news agency PTI.

"Bangladesh has already been invited to participate in the case Pakistan doesn't come, but we will have to wait for two more days to get the confirmation," the HI official said.

Various sports teams in India and Pakistan have refused to travel across the border since the Pahalgam terror attack in J&K, where 26 civilians were gunned down by Pakistan-based terrorists.

The Indian men's cricket team refused to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year, resulting in India's matches being held in Dubai. Besides India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman and Chinese Taipei will participate in the Asia Cup in hockey.