Bangladesh Hockey: Pakistan did not participate in the Hockey Asia Cup held in India, so the World Hockey Federation arranged a special three-match playoff series for Pakistan against the team that finished sixth in the Asia Cup. The winner of this series will earn a spot in the World Cup qualifiers.
Since Bangladesh finished sixth in the Asia Cup, they will face Pakistan in this playoff. According to Asian Hockey Federation rules, the sixth-placed team hosts the series, so the three-match playoff between Bangladesh and Pakistan will be held in Dhaka on November 13, 14, and 16. The official schedule was announced today by the Asian Hockey Federation.
Bangladesh Hockey vs Pakistan Hockey
Bangladesh Hockey Federation General Secretary Lt. Col. Riazul Hasan (retd.) stated that the Asian Hockey Federation instructed the series to be held between November 10 and 17, so they arranged the schedule accordingly and, with official approval, will now begin preparations.
The U-21 Hockey World Cup will start in Chennai, India, on November 28. Originally, Bangladesh planned to hold the Asia Cup playoff after the U-21 World Cup, as eight players from the U-21 team are also on the senior squad. Holding the playoff before the World Cup may disrupt the U-21 team’s preparation. However, following the Asian Hockey Federation’s directive, these matches must now take place before the World Cup. Although organized by the Asian Hockey Federation, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation will bear the costs of hosting the matches.