LAHORE: Pakistan’s hockey captain, Ammad Butt, has called on the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to reconsider India’s selection as host for the Asia Cup 2025, saying the move could put Pakistan’s participation at risk.
Speaking informally to local reporters earlier this week, Butt didn’t hold back. “We’ve seen before how sports between Pakistan and India get tangled up in politics,” he said. “This is a major event. The venue needs to be neutral — not controversial.”
His concerns aren’t exactly new. In fact, they echo what’s been building quietly within hockey circles for months now. There hasn’t been much direct sports contact between the two countries for years, and the idea of sending a full squad into India, given the climate, has left many inside the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) uneasy.
“No one is saying India can’t host tournaments,” said one PHF official, not authorized to speak publicly. “But if a competing team doesn’t feel safe or welcome, how can you expect them to show up and play with focus?”
The Asia Cup is more than a competition; it is a key qualifying tournament for future international competitions. For Butt and his teammates, it is not just the medals; which are also important, it is about reinstating a presence on the world stage.
There is enough pressure already,” Butt said. “We do not need the pressure of visas, or security, or the politics of just being able to play hockey
The PHF is reportedly drafting a formal letter to the AHF, requesting a change in venue — or at the very least, opening a dialogue. As of now, the AHF hasn’t publicly responded. The silence, however, is beginning to grow louder.
Across Pakistan’s sports media landscape, reactions have been mixed. Some say the captain is right to speak up, while others believe the focus should remain on performance, not politics. But that’s a luxury not everyone agrees Pakistan can afford right now.
“We’ve been burned before — late visa approvals, delays, uncertainty,” noted a veteran coach from the national setup. “The concern isn’t imagined. It’s based on experience.”
Indian media, unsurprisingly, has pushed back. Some reports have brushed off the concerns as “baseless,” insisting India has the infrastructure and record to host major events smoothly. Still, history between the two neighbours tells a more complicated story.
At this point, nothing’s final. But one thing is clear — Pakistan’s hockey team doesn’t want to be caught in another standoff. “We’re athletes, not diplomats,” said Butt. “Let us compete, but let it be fair — and safe for everyone.”
