LAHORE: Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakil Butt has been denied a United Kingdom visa and will miss the national team’s upcoming matches in England during the final leg of the FIH Pro League, dealing a fresh setback to Pakistan hockey.
According to sources, Ammad will not accompany the squad for the remaining four Pro League fixtures scheduled from June 23 to 27. Pakistan are currently competing in Belgium, where they are facing Belgium and Spain in the penultimate stage of the tournament and have struggled for form, losing three of their first four matches.
Sources indicated that the visa refusal may be linked to an alleged overstay in the UK during 2022-23. Ammad reportedly remained in England beyond the legal six-month period after expecting an extension through his club. The extension process was not completed, leading to an overstay. Sources further claimed that he later applied for asylum in the UK, but the application was unsuccessful.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) reportedly made efforts to secure clearance for the captain’s travel but was unable to obtain a visa. Ammad is now expected to return to Pakistan in the coming days.
Pakistan are due to play arch-rivals India and hosts England in the final phase of the competition.
Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior, whose UK visa had not been issued at the time of reporting. If he is unable to travel, PHF Director High Performance Tahir Zaman may assume coaching responsibilities for the England leg.
The development comes amid reported tensions within Pakistan hockey administration and raises concerns for the federation, which fears the visa refusal could damage the sport’s image internationally.