Mumbai, March 19 (NationPress) The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) plans to consult with the government regarding their participation against India in the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. This decision comes amid rising tensions between the two nations, as reported on Thursday.

India and Pakistan, longstanding rivals, have been placed in Pool D of the 16-team tournament, as announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). PHF representatives informed Telecom Asia Sport that they will adhere to the government's guidance on whether to compete against India in their first-round encounter set for August 19.

The Men's Hockey World Cup is scheduled for August 15 to 30, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. This marks Pakistan's return to the World Cup stage after a disappointing 12th place finish out of 16 teams in the 2018 event held in Bhubaneswar, India. Pakistan did not qualify for the tournaments in 2014 and 2022.

Pakistan boasts a four-time world champion title in field hockey, with their last victory dating back to 1994.

The PHF is currently operating under an interim management arrangement, with a committee meeting scheduled for March 27 to discuss this pressing issue.

"Given that Pakistan and India share the same pool, this topic will be a priority in our committee meeting on March 27," stated Olympian Samiullah in an interview with www.telecomasia.net. "This is a critical situation, and we must seek government advice on the matter."

Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India has halted bilateral sports relations with Pakistan, though both nations still compete in international events. However, India did not send their men's cricket team to Pakistan for last year's Champions Trophy, following military tensions stemming from a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan withdrew from last year's Asia Cup and Junior World Cup, which were hosted in India, due to ongoing political issues.

Previously, Pakistan expressed concerns prior to the Men's T20 World Cup, with the government instructing the team against playing India in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ultimately, they reversed this decision after realizing that the ICC would impose significant penalties for non-participation.

The last encounter in field hockey between these rivals took place at the Asian Games on September 30, 2022, where India triumphed with a score of 10-2 in Hangzhou, China. India has emerged victorious in their last five meetings against Pakistan.