LAHORE, June 22: Pakistan will meet the Netherlands in the opening match of the Champions Trophy hockey to be played in Chennai, India from Dec 10 to 18. According to draws announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Olympic champions Australia will be the next rival of Pakistan on Dec 11.

Australia did not participate in the last edition held at Lahore in 2004, citing security concern.

Pakistan will take on defending champion Spain in the next match on Dec 13 after a day’s rest on Dec 12.

The next meeting of Pakistan is against the arch-rivals and hosts India on Dec 14.

After second rest day in the competition on Dec 15, Pakistan will play the last match against Germany on Dec 16. The matches for positions will be played on Dec 18 as Dec 17 is the rest day.

Following are the draws:

Dec 10: Netherlands vs Pakistan; Germany vs Spain; India vs Australia.

Dec 11: Spain vs Netherlands; Pakistan vs Australia; India vs Germany.

Dec 12: Rest day.

Dec 13: Australia vs Germany; Spain vs Pakistan; Netherlands vs India.

Dec 14: Spain vs Australia; Germany vs Netherlands; India vs Pakistan.

Dec 15: Rest day.

Dec 16: Germany vs Pakistan; Australia vs Netherlands; India vs Spain.

Dec 27: Rest day.

Dec 18: 5th vs 6th; 3rd vs 4th; 1st vs 2nd.