India, Oct. 9 -- Pakistan have withdrawn from the men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 that was scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5 in Punjab; Bangladesh will replace them in the six-team tournament.

India will now play Malaysia on November 1, the date originally scheduled for the fixture against Pakistan.

Last month, Dawn reported that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani had said the team's visit to India for the tournament was subject to government clearance and the federation would follow the government's instructions.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had also announced last month that Pakistan would be among the six teams, citing the Centre's policy of allowing Pakistan to play in multilat...