The next edition of the hockey world cup will be without its most successful team after Pakistan failed to qualify for the marquee tournament following its ouster from the Hockey Asia Cup 2022.

The four-time world champions suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Japan in a closely-fought pool A match at the GBK Sports Complex Hockey Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday.

Japan, who stunned reigning champions India in their previous match, had already qualified for the semi-final. Pakistan, meanwhile, was vying for the other slot with India.

Pakistan’s defeat meant India needed to better their arch-rivals goal difference in order to qualify for the semis. They did so in style, beating Indonesia 16-0.

Pakistan had earlier beaten Indonesia 13-0, while scoring a late equalizer to draw 1-1 with India.

The Asia Hockey Cup serves as the qualifier for the next hockey world cup which will be held in India in 2023.

Japan, South Korea and Malaysia are the three teams to have sealed the FIH World Cup 2023 berths via this tournament. India have already qualified as hosts.

Despite being the most successful in the history of hockey world cups, Pakistan have failed to qualified for the next edition of the global tournament.