India, Oct. 24 -- Pakistan has decided to withdraw from the Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled in Chennai and Madurai, from November 28 to December 28. FIH confirmed the withdrawal on Friday, and a replacement for Pakistan will be announced soon.

Pakistan were placed with India in a group, which also had Chile and Switzerland. Earlier, Pakistan also withdrew from the Asia Cup, which was held in Rajgir, India, from August 29 to September 7. Bangladesh replaced them in that tournament.

Cross-border tensions have been heightened since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India responded with Operation Sindoor, and Pakistan also responded to that with cross-border shelling.

Hockey India has revea...