Why is Pakistan not participating at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025?
(Courtesy : @pakhockeyofficial/Instagram)
Pakistan have won Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 three times.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 is being played from November 23 to 30 at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia. A total of six teams are competing for silverware in the 31st edition of the tournament.
Belgium, Canada, India, South Korea, New Zealand, and host Malaysia are the six competing teams in the ongoing edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Each team will go up against the remaining five teams in the group once, playing a total of five matches. The top two teams in the points table at the end of the league stage will fight for the trophy.
Why is Pakistan not playing in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025?
The Pakistan senior men’s hockey team was not invited for the 2025 edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup due to unpaid dues to the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF). According to a report by PTI, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is yet to clear an outstanding amount of $10,349.
Last year’s defending champions, Japan, also did not receive an invitation to participate in the tournament.
Australia, the most successful nation, with 10 titles, are also not competing in the 31st edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. They last competed in 2018 and have always secured a podium finish in all 17 editions they’ve competed in.
Pakistan’s performances at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Pakistan have competed in 22 editions of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, since the inception of the tournament in 1983. They have won the tournament thrice (1999, 2000 & 2003) and have secured the silver medal on seven occasions (1983, 1987, 1991, 1994, 2004, 2011, and 2024).
The Men in Green bagged bronze medals thrice (1985, 2055, 2022) and finished fourth thrice (2001, 2008 & 2009) in the history of the tournament.
In the previous edition of the tournament, Pakistan finished as the runners-up after losing the final to Japan. Both teams played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the end of full time. However, it was Japan who had the last laugh, beating the South Asian nation 4-1 on a penalty shootout.
Why is Pakistan not playing in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025?
Pakistan was not invited because the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has unpaid dues of $10,349 to the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF).
Which teams are participating in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025?
The six participating teams are Belgium, Canada, India, South Korea, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
How is the tournament format structured?
Each team plays the other five teams once in the league stage. The top two teams in the points table qualify for the final.
Why are Japan and Australia not competing in 2025?
Japan, the defending champions, were not invited this year. Australia, the most successful team (10 titles), have not competed since 2018.
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Farzan is a journalist at Khel Now covering Indian Olympic sports and kabaddi. With five years of experience working with major sports organizations like Chennaiyin FC, Dabang Delhi K.C., Rajasthan Royals, and Yuva Kabaddi Series, he brings diverse expertise. Farzan has covered two Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, and one Asian Games, making his knowledge of Indian sports broad and versatile.