Tit For Tat? Pakistan Unlikely To Travel India For The Upcoming Asia Cup
The Pakistan administration is likely to refuse permission for its senior and junior national hockey teams to go to India for two key events looming large in the near future, citing rising political and security issues in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s follow-up Operation Sindoor.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had sought clearance to attend the Men’s Asia Cup, to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, and the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup to be played in Chennai later this year (November–December). But sources indicate that it is extremely unlikely to be sanctioned.
“There is no way the Shahbaz Sharif government will allow the national hockey team in this geo-political scenario,” a top government official told Telecom Asia Sport.
Hostility Runs High Following Armed Skirmish Between India and Pakistan
In retaliation for the April 22 terror attack at Pahalgam, India carried out missile and drone attacks on Pakistan on May 7. Pakistan retaliated with air and drone attacks before a four-day war finished in a tenuous ceasefire.
In light of this backdrop, members of Pakistan’s ruling coalition believe it is not safe or diplomatically prudent to send national teams across the border. PHF, aware of the growing uncertainty, is now reportedly planning to urge the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to shift the venues to a neutral country, such as Malaysia or Oman.
“PHF will attempt to have the events relocated outside India, but the possibilities are extremely remote,” added a PHF insider. “Neither Malaysia nor Oman will be willing to invest the $100,000 needed to bid for the hosting.”
Past Tours and Current Hostilities
Pakistan’s last visit to India was in 2023 to play the Asian Champions Trophy, during which they were placed fifth out of six. In spite of the competitive pressure, the tour ended without any security or diplomatic issues. India won that tournament.
Recent Indian media reports suggested that Hockey India obtained clearances from both the Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Pakistan to participate in future events. Nonetheless, the reports elicited media outcry in India, which further escalated security concerns within Pakistan.
Political Opposition Rises Within Pakistan
The movement against the dispatch of the national hockey team to India is gaining political momentum. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s Youth Affairs program head Rana Mashood expressed his doubts in the public sphere.
“We would want Pakistan’s hockey team to beat India on their own turf, but at present, it makes no sense to send our players,” Mashood said during a media interaction in Karachi.
Mashood, known to have influence over the government’s sports decisions, played a key role in securing PKR 40 million in grants for PHF last year to prepare for the FIH Nations Cup.
Former Olympian Hanif Khan echoed similar sentiments, urging the PHF to demand a neutral venue for safety reasons.
“Following the recent confrontations, it is not safe for Pakistan to send a side to India. We cannot take that risk. A neutral location is the only sensible solution.”
Possible Impact on Pakistan Hockey’s Future
The consequences of not taking part could be drastic. The Asia Cup serves as a qualification event for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, and failure to qualify can put Pakistan back by many years. Interestingly, Pakistan did not qualify for the 2023 Hockey World Cup, too, which took place in India.
Pakistan has not won the Junior World Cup since their record victory in the first-ever 1979 event.
Pakistan head coach Tahir Zaman admitted the uncertainty, stating the players are still training and waiting for the final decision of the government.
“Our players are at training camps, preparing individually and as a collective unit. We’re fully prepared to take part, but in the end, we will respect whatever the government decides.”