Karachi, June 20: Already reeling from a dismal FIH Pro League campaign, Pakistan hockey team is set to be without regular captain Ammad Shakeel Butt and possibly head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan for the final leg of the tournament in England due to visa issues.
A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official said Ammad’s visa application had been rejected, while efforts were underway to secure a visa for Manzur before the team departs for England, where Pakistan will play four matches against England and India from June 23.
Pakistan have endured a miserable Pro League season, losing all 11 matches against Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, and are now staring at the prospect of relegation from the competition’s top tier.
According to the official, Ammad, a key figure in Pakistan’s defence, was denied a visa because he had previously overstayed in England while playing club hockey. The official said the overstay stemmed from a misunderstanding with the club he represented during a six-month stint in the country. (PTI)
