Pakistan gamers have fun scoring a aim throughout their FIH Nations Cup Pool B match towards New Zealand on the Nationwide Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 18, 2025. — FIH
LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti on Thursday firmly rejected reviews circulating in Indian media suggesting that Pakistan won’t take part within the upcoming Asia Cup.
He clarified that no official choice has been made, and the ultimate name lies with the Authorities of Pakistan.
Talking to the media, the PHF president made it clear that no dialogue has taken place concerning Pakistan’s participation within the Asia Cup.
He reiterated that participation within the Asia Cup relies upon fully on the federal government’s choice and the federation is ready to abide by no matter directive is issued.
“No talks have been held concerning collaborating or not collaborating within the Asia Cup. It’s not PHF’s choice, it’s the federal government’s. No matter choice the Authorities of Pakistan makes, we’ll observe. We’re ready for the federal government’s announcement,” he mentioned.
Bugti additionally denied reviews of any communication with Hockey India, asserting that no such contact has occurred.
“There was no communication with Hockey India prior to now, nor has there been any now. So how can or not it’s mentioned that Pakistan has refused to play? Our correspondence is with the Asian Hockey Federation, not with Hockey India,” he clarified.
He additional dismissed reviews that Bangladesh could be changing Pakistan within the match, asserting that no such info has been shared with the PHF.
“Hockey India can say no matter it needs and invite whoever it needs. We’re unaware of any invitation prolonged to Bangladesh in our place,” he concluded.
Earlier, Indian media claimed that Pakistan had refused to take part within the Hockey Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Jharkhand, India, from August 27 to September 7.
Indian media additionally claimed that Hockey India had determined to ask Bangladesh rather than Pakistan.
Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo Information.
