Pakistan Hockey Captain Denied English Visa, Set To Miss Multiple Matches

Last Updated:June 20, 2026, 17:32 IST

Pakistan captain Ammad Shakeel Butt denied visa for FIH Pro League matches in England, Abu Bakr to lead, coach Manzur-ul-Hasan visa uncertain.

Pakistan’s troubled FIH Pro League campaign has suffered another setback, with regular captain Ammad Shakeel Butt ruled out of the team’s upcoming matches in England after being denied a visa.

A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official confirmed to news agency PTI that Ammad’s visa application was rejected, while uncertainty also surrounds head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan, whose visa had not been cleared ahead of the team’s departure. Pakistan are scheduled to face England and India in four Pro League matches beginning June 23.

The visa setback comes at a difficult time for Pakistan hockey, with the side having lost all 11 of its Pro League matches this season against Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. The team now faces a serious threat of relegation from the competition.

According to PHF sources, Ammad’s visa refusal was linked to a previous overstay in England during a stint in club hockey. The overstay was reportedly the result of a misunderstanding involving the club he represented. Unverified reports have also suggested that Ammad had once sought political asylum in the United Kingdom, though PHF officials said they could not independently confirm the claim.

In Ammad’s absence, senior player Abu Bakr is expected to captain the side. If Manzur is unable to secure a visa in time, former Pakistan international Tahir Zaman could oversee the team during the England leg.

Pakistan’s poor performances have already drawn criticism, with questions being raised over the federation’s decision to appoint 74-year-old Manzur as head coach and rely entirely on a local support staff. The concerns have intensified with the Hockey World Cup approaching in August.

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