Three Pakistan Hockey Players Seek Asylum in Europe, Face Lifetime Ban
In a major turn of events, three members of the Pakistan national hockey team, along with a team physio, have reportedly applied for political asylum in Europe, according to ARY News. This unexpected move has led the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to impose a lifetime ban on the individuals involved.
During a press conference, PHF Secretary Olympian Mujahid Ali disclosed that players Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtisham Aslam, Abdul Rahman, and the team’s physio, who traveled to Poland with the national squad, did not return to Pakistan. Instead, they sought asylum abroad, submitting letters of apology to the PHF for their actions.
Rana Mujahid clarified that these individuals left the country without obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is required for international travel. As a consequence, the PHF has imposed a lifetime ban on these players and the physio, effectively ending their careers with the national team.
The Secretary also mentioned that the PHF would be contacting the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action against those involved. These players were part of the Karachi training camp, preparing for the upcoming Azlan Shah Cup.
This development is a significant blow to Pakistan’s national hockey team, as they lose key players ahead of an important tournament. The PHF’s strict response underscores the seriousness of the situation and its commitment to maintaining discipline within the team.
