Overview
- Abbas confirmed from Karachi that he will not join Malaysia at the Asia Cup and said the choice is personal rather than linked to Pakistan's absence.
- The Asia Cup runs from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar, with a direct berth to the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium at stake.
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation declined to send its team despite India offering visas, citing security concerns, and Bangladesh has taken the open slot.
- Abbas, a Pakistan great appointed in October 2024 as Malaysia's penalty-corner assistant coach, has also skipped recent trips to Australia and China.
- India's Sports Ministry maintains a policy that bars bilateral events with Pakistan but permits participation in multination tournaments.