Lahore: The Hockey Federation of Bangladesh has categorically refused the Indian media reports that claim it was invited to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup instead of Pakistan, sources confirmed on Thursday.
According to sources, an unnamed hockey officer from Bangladesh stated that no formal communication has been received from Hockey India or the Asian hockey federation with regard to such an invitation.
This clarification came after several Indian news stores reported that Bangladesh had been approached as a replacement due to uncertainty about the participation of Pakistan in the tournament.
Speaking to the media, reflect sources within the Bangladesh Hockey Federation de Claims and explained:
“We have not received an official invitation to participate in the Asia Cup. No letter was issued by Hockey India or the Asian hockey federation.”
However, the federation acknowledged that Bangladesh stands -or, given the current situation. Civil servants noted that the formation and preparation of a national team would be an important challenge in the short term.
Earlier Indian media reports, referring to a civil servant of Hockey India, had claimed that an invitation had already been extended to Bangladesh.
In the meantime, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti has also rejected reports that are circulating in Indian media that suggest that Pakistan has withdrawn from the Asia Cup.
He clarified that no official decision was made and that the final call on participation is based on the Pakistan government.
“There was no discussion about the participation of Pakistan on the Asia Cup,” Bugti told the media.
“Our participation depends entirely on the government’s decision and the federation is ready to comply with every issued directive.”
Indian media had previously claimed that Pakistan had refused to participate in the Hockey Asia Cup, which is planned in Jharkhand, India, from 27 August to 7 September.
It was also reported that Hockey India had decided to invite Bangladesh instead of Pakistan.
Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
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