The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has dismissed recent reports that it has refused to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, calling them “baseless.”
Addressing the issue, PHF President Tariq Bugti stated there is no truth to the claims of Pakistan’s withdrawal from the tournament. He added that the federation has not been in communication with the Indian Hockey Federation, nor is it obligated to inform them of Pakistan’s internal decisions.
Bugti clarified that the PHF remains in contact with the Asian Hockey Federation and that its participation in the Asia Cup is contingent upon governmental approval.
Contradicting reports from Indian media, sources have indicated that Bangladesh has not received any formal invitation to the tournament.
The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) confirmed that neither Hockey India nor the Asian Hockey Federation has sent any official correspondence regarding their potential inclusion.
Indian media had previously reported that Bangladesh would be included in place of Pakistan, a claim now revealed to be unfounded. The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, a city in the Indian state of Bihar, from August 29 to September 7.
