With just days to go before the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament begins in Rajgir, Bihar, uncertainty looms over Pakistan’s participation, potentially paving the way for Bangladesh to step in as a replacement. The tournament, a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, is set to kick off on August 29 and features eight teams from across Asia.

A senior official from Hockey India confirmed on Monday that Pakistan’s place in the competition remains unconfirmed, and the organisers have approached Bangladesh to fill the potential vacancy.

"The Indian government has already said that it is will willing to provide visas to Pakistani players but if they don't want to come to India, it's not our problem. Bangladesh has already been invited to participate in case Pakistan doesn't come but we will have to wait for two more days to get the confirmation," the HI official told PTI when quizzed about the situation.