Pakistan and Bangladesh will compete in a three-match hockey series in Dhaka from 13 to 16 November 2025, the Asian Hockey Federation has confirmed. The series, which will be held at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium, will decide which nation secures a place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers. All matches are scheduled for daytime due to limited floodlighting at the venue.
Bangladesh captain Rezaul Karim Babu offered a realistic reflection on the challenge ahead. He acknowledged Pakistan’s strength, saying, “Although they did not go to the Asia Cup for national security reasons, they are a better team than us. But we will try to play to our potential. Hopefully, something good will happen. I am not saying we will win the series because that is highly impossible. But if we try, hopefully something good will happen.”
Babu added that Bangladesh must focus on achievable targets. He said, “In this current situation, winning a single match is our aim now. We will try to bring out a decent score in the first match. That will be a plus point for us.”
The Bangladesh skipper also voiced displeasure at the qualification process. He questioned the criteria used by the International Hockey Federation, stating, “Although they are saying that Pakistan is on upper rank than us, and that is why we have to play a series. In that sense, Oman is also in a higher rank than us, so why does Oman not get the chance? I think the FIH provides an extra advantage to the Pakistan side as the president of FIH is from Pakistan.”
The winner of the three-match series will move into the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup Qualification Tournaments taking place in 2026.
Series Schedule
• Match 1: 13 November 2025
• Match 2: 14 November 2025
• Match 3: 16 November 2025
