Pakistan hockey captain Ammad calls for Asia Cup 2025 to be moved out of India

Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has urged the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to shift the Asia Cup 2025 from India to a neutral venue, citing heightened political tensions between the two countries.

Speaking at the trailer launch of Shamsher, an upcoming web series centered on the sport of hockey, Butt emphasized the significance of the Asia Cup, which also serves as a crucial qualifier for the Hockey World Cup.

“The Asia Cup is a major tournament for us,” Butt said. “Given the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India, we believe it would be more appropriate and fairer to host the event in a neutral location.”

The national captain also discussed the team’s current priorities, revealing that preparations are underway for the Nations Cup—a key step in Pakistan’s campaign to qualify for the FIH Pro League.

Addressing concerns over player payments, Butt confirmed that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has cleared all outstanding dues. However, he stressed the need for consistent institutional support to revive and sustain hockey in Pakistan.

Shamsher: Bringing Hockey to the Screen

The media event also marked the unveiling of Shamsher, a new web series aimed at reviving interest in hockey. Starring Farhan Saeed and Hareem Farooq, the series is set to premiere on the digital platform Tapmad on June 13. Acclaimed actors Behrooz Sabzwari and Deepak Perwani also feature in prominent roles.

Butt welcomed the initiative, noting the lack of cinematic representation of Pakistan’s storied hockey legacy, despite the country's rich history in the sport.

He expressed optimism that Shamsher would help rekindle national pride and inspire the younger generation to take up the sport.

A Sport in Decline

Once a global powerhouse, Pakistan’s hockey record is unmatched in Asia—with three Olympic gold medals, four World Cup titles, three Champions Trophy victories, and eight Asian Games golds. However, the sport has seen a significant decline in recent years. Most notably, Pakistan has failed to qualify for the last three Olympic Games—a stark reminder of the challenges facing the national sport.