(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Hockey Captain Ammad Denied UK Visa for FIH Pro League Matches
Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Shakil Butt has been denied a United Kingdom visa and will miss the remaining matches of the FIH Pro League scheduled in England later this month.
According to sources, the national team is currently in Belgium for the ongoing leg of the tournament, where they have faced a difficult run of results. Pakistan has lost three of its opening four matches.
The team is set to play its final Pro League fixtures in England between June 23 and June 27, including matches against top-ranked opponents.
Reports suggest that Ammad’s visa application was refused due to past immigration issues related to an alleged overstay in the UK. Sources also indicated that earlier visa complications affected his ability to travel, which ultimately led to the current refusal.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had reportedly made efforts to secure clearance for the captain but was unsuccessful. Ammad is expected to return home in the coming days.
In a related development, the visa of head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior has also not yet been issued. If he is unable to travel, team management responsibilities in England may be handed to PHF Director High Performance Tahir Zaman.
Despite the setback, officials have indicated that the team will continue its preparations for the remaining fixtures of the tournament.
Pakistan is scheduled to face strong opposition in the final leg of the Pro League as it looks to improve its performance in the competition.
