Pakistan has clarified that it would not send its national team to India for the upcoming Asia Cup and Junior World Cup if they perceive a security threat there. Clarifying the country’s stand on the matter, a top government official in Pakistan said they would review the security situation in India before taking a call on sending its national hockey team to the neighbouring country for the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup.

Rana Mashood, chairman of Prime Minister’s Youth Development and Sports Program, said Pakistan would travel to India for the tournaments if the government is totally satisfied with the security situation.

“The government will review the security situation in India for Pakistan nationals and if it is not satisfied it will not put any of our players at risk by sending them to play in India,” said Mashood.

The former minister maintained that after Operation Sindoor, the situation is not safe for Pakistan nationals to travel to India. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has sought advice and permission from the ministries concerned to send national teams for the two major hockey events scheduled in India next month and in 2026.

PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid admitted that in the past Pakistan had taken part in some international events in India, but as of now the situation is different. “Relations are strained, so we can only move forward when the government gives us clearance,” he said. Mujahid pointed out that the PHF was keeping a watch on threats being issued to their hockey players on the social media.