The Pakistan hockey team is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from August 29 to September 7, due to security concerns, according to Indian media reports.

 

A Hockey India official told an Indian newspaper that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) of its decision through an official letter on Wednesday. According to the letter, the team would not be able to travel to India for the tournament, citing security issues.

 

The official also claimed that the Indian government had agreed to issue visas to the Pakistan team and that visa applications had been submitted at the end of July.

 

“In response to Pakistan’s withdrawal, we have sent an invitation to Bangladesh to join the tournament,” the Hockey India official said.

 

There is also uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India later this year between November and December.