New Delhi, June 22: Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has been denied a UK visa, not due to his previous overstay, but because of mismanagement by the federation. As a result, Butt will miss the upcoming rounds of the FIH Pro League 2025-26.
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, “Due to the incompetence of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Butt is on the verge of missing the final part of the Pro League 2026. Initially, it was reported that Butt had overstayed during a previous visit to the UK three years ago, leading to his visa denial.”
The report states that Butt was playing league hockey in the UK, and the Pakistan Hockey Federation had promised to extend his visa. However, administrative delays caused his visa to expire. It has now come to light that the British High Commission emailed the federation, requesting Butt be made available for a visa interview, but officials delayed the process.
Compounding Butt’s difficulties, the federation has issued a return ticket for him, ordering him to return home. He will now have to attend a phone interview for his UK visa, but it remains uncertain whether the federation will send him to the UK.
The federation’s negligence suggests a conspiracy against Butt. The report indicates, “Some influential individuals want Butt removed from the captaincy, and this visa issue is just a part of that agenda. If Butt is not sent to the UK, senior player Abu Bakar will lead the Pakistan team in the final leg.”
Pakistan will face India on June 23 and 26, and England on June 24 and 27 in the final leg. The team has lost all 12 matches in the Pro League and is on the brink of elimination from next year’s league version. They must win at least two of their last four matches.
During their recent tour of Belgium, Pakistan suffered heavy defeats, losing 7-1 and 6-0 to Belgium, and 5-1 and 4-2 to Spain.
Telecom Asia Sport noted that the PHF seems intent on removing Butt due to poor results under his captaincy. The federation aims to appoint another senior player, Hanan Shahid, as captain, but unfortunately, Shahid is injured and will miss the tour.
Former player Wasim Feroz criticized the team’s performance, stating that sending the team to the Pro League is a waste of money. Instead of spending on this campaign, the federation should focus on grassroots efforts to improve hockey.
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