Pakistan’s FIH Pro League campaign suffered another blow after captain Ammad Shakeel Butt was denied a visa to England, ruling him out of upcoming matches against England and India starting June 23.
A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official confirmed the rejection of Ammad’s visa application. Reports linked the refusal to a previous overstay in England during a club hockey stint, while unverified claims suggested he once sought asylum in the UK. PHF officials said they could not confirm the asylum reports.
Uncertainty also surrounds head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan, whose visa clearance remains pending. If he fails to travel, former international Tahir Zaman may step in to guide the team during the England leg.
In Ammad’s absence, senior player Abu Bakr is expected to lead the side. The setback comes at a time when Pakistan has lost all 11 Pro League matches this season against Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, raising fears of relegation.
Criticism has mounted over PHF’s decision to appoint 74-year-old Manzur as head coach and rely solely on local support staff. With the Hockey World Cup approaching in August, concerns about preparation and leadership have intensified.
