India, Aug. 19 -- The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) confirmed on Tuesday that Pakistan will not be participating at the Asia Cup and will be replaced by Bangladesh as they announced the schedule for the August 29-September 7 competition to be held in Rajgir, Bihar.

Speculation had been rife about Pakistan's withdrawal ever since the border skirmish with India in May which followed the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 people.

"It was always unlikely. But now it is confirmed that Pakistan won't be travelling to India due to security concerns," a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official told HT on condition of anonymity.

Indian officials and authorities had always maintained that should Pakistan decide...