# 2026 Asian Champions Trophy venue dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-asian-champions-trophy-venue-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-08T13:31:53.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) requested that the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) relocate the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy to a neutral venue or move Pakistan’s matches to a third-party location. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani cited security concerns and the “sensitive bilateral situation” between Pakistan and India as reasons for the request.

Hockey India rejected the demand, stating the tournament would proceed as scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali, India. Following the rejection of the venue change request, Pakistan withdrew from the competition, stating that the “safety and dignity of players” remain their priority. 

As a result, the AHF has invited Bangladesh to join the six-team tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 5, featuring India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Bangladesh.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Bangladesh replaces Pakistan in India-hosted Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

Bangladesh will replace Pakistan in the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India after Pakistan withdrew due to security concerns and requests for a neutral venue.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-replaces-pakistan-in-2026-asian-hockey-champions-trophy

### 2026-09-15: Pakistan requests neutral venue for Asian Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has requested a neutral venue for the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy, citing security and bilateral tensions, a move Hockey India has firmly rejected.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-hockey-federation-seeks-neutral-venue-for-asian-champions-trophy

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Cite as: 2026 Asian Champions Trophy venue dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-asian-champions-trophy-venue-dispute