The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PFH) has instructed its players to remain focused on their performance and avoid any altercations with the Indian players in the upcoming clash at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Bahru, Malaysia on Tuesday.

“The players have been told that if the Indian players don’t shake hands before or after the match, just ignore the gesture and move on. They have also been told to avoid any emotional tussles or signs during the game,” a senior official from PFH said

This development comes amid the heightened tensions following India’s recent ‘Operation Sindooor’ and controversy filled cricket matches in Asia Cup 2025. The gesture provoked controversy, with Pakistan formally complaining to the Asian Cricket Council and to the ICC. India is said to follow the same stance in the hockey face-off by the Indian junior men’s hockey team.

According to a senior PHF official, the players were prepared mentally for expecting a “no-handshake” policy from India and were instructed not to react, but stay calm and play their game. Pakistan began their Sultan of Johor Cup against hosts Malaysia by thrashing them 7-1 but lost the second against Great Britain. The PHF emphasized that the sportsmen must leave aside all kinds of distractions and concentrate solely on their job on the pitch. Notably, Pakistan had already refused to participate in the Men’s Asia Cup staged in Rajgir, Bihar, last August, and Bangladesh filled the slot.