Dhaka: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has officially invited Bangladesh to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, confirmed Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) Monday.
The federation accepted the invitation and formally confirmed its participation in the tournament. The invitation letter was sent by Hockey India.
Bangladesh in particular was invited to become a member of the Asia Cup instead of Pakistan. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) recently announced its withdrawal from the tournament, with reference to security problems.
A civil servant of a hockey -India told an Indian newspaper that the government was willing to spend visa for the Pakistani contingent.
However, the PHF formally refused participation in a letter sent to the AHF on Wednesday.
“In the light of Pakistan’s decision, we have now expanded an invitation to Bangladesh to participate in the Asia Cup,” added Hockey India’s officer.
The timing of the withdrawal of Pakistan raised questions, because reports were reportedly submitted at the end of July.
Uncertainty also surrounds Pakistan’s participation in the Junior Hockey World Cup later this year in India, with the status of the Junior Team still unclear.
The PHF is expected to make an official announcement with regard to his withdrawal of Asia cup within the next day or two.
The Asia Cup is planned in Jharkhand, India, from 27 August to 7 September.
Earlier this month, PHF president re -rejected Tariq Bugti reports that circulated in the Indian media that suggest that Pakistan would not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup. He clarified that no official decision has been made and that the last call lies with the Pakistan government.
Speaking with the media, Bugti emphasized that no discussion has taken place with regard to the participation of Pakistan on the Asia Cup.
He repeated that participation is completely dependent on the government’s decision and that the federation is willing to adhere to every directive that is spent.
“No conversations have been held with regard to participation or not participating in the Asia Cup. It is not the decision of PHF; it is the government. What decision the government takes from Pakistan, we will follow. We are waiting for the government’s announcement,” he said.
Bugti also denied reports about some communication with Hockey India and claimed that such contact did not take place.
“There was no communication with Hockey India in the past, nor has there been one. So how it can be said that Pakistan has refused to play? Our correspondence at the Asian hockey federation, not with Hockey India,” he explained.
He further rejected reports that Bangladesh Pakistan would replace in the tournament and claimed that such information was not shared with the PHF.
“Hockey India can say what it wants and invite who it wants it. We are not aware of any invitation that is expanding in our place to Bangladesh,” he concluded.
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