Latest news with #ImadShakeelButt
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PSB bars federations from competing in India without prior approval
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued a fresh directive instructing all national sports federations to seek prior consultation and approval before participating in any sporting event held in India, citing prevailing security concerns. The decision was taken during the 34th meeting of the PSB Board held on July 23, 2025, PSB spokesperson Khuram Shahzad PSB told Business Recorder. A circular in this regard has also been issued, explicitly urging all national federations to strictly adhere to this directive. 'In view of the current security situation, no national federation shall make any commitment or agreement regarding participation in sports events in India without prior permission from PSB,' the circular reads. The development comes amid debate that whether Pakistan hockey team should travel to India for Men's Asia Cup Hockey tournament. Earlier this month, media reports suggested that Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over 'security' concerns, potentially jeopardising their place in next year's World Cup. The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance. 'After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,' said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified. Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said. In May, national hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt had also called for the relocation of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan hockey captain calls for relocation of 2025 Asia Cup from India
Listen to article Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt has called for the relocation of the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of the tournament, which acts as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said. He added that Pakistan's final decision regarding participation would be in line with instructions from the federal government. The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from 27 August to 7 September 2025, under the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). However, concerns over the event's credibility have emerged amid unconfirmed reports suggesting Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The issue has intensified in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly resulted in visa denials for the Pakistani squad, putting their participation in jeopardy. Neither the Indian government nor the AHF has issued an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is focusing on its preparations for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup. A strong showing could earn them promotion to the prestigious Pro League. 'Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,' Butt said.
Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India
Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt has called for the relocation of the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. Speaking to the media, Imad stressed the significance of the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said. He noted that Pakistan's final decision regarding participation would align with the directives of the federal government. PTCL Group partners with Pakistan hockey team Addressing the team's ongoing preparations, the national captain shared that the squad is currently training for the FIH Nations Cup, where a strong performance could earn them a spot in the prestigious Pro League. 'Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,' Imad added. He also welcomed the production of a new film centred on hockey, describing it as a step in the right direction to revive public interest in the sport. Imad further confirmed that pending player dues have been cleared, which has uplifted team morale. The Pakistani team is gearing up to uphold national pride while aiming for international advancement, starting with the Nations Cup. Interview: Islahuddin Siddique on why Pakistan hockey is struggling The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7, 2025, under the auspices of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). However, the event's credibility has come under scrutiny amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The development has raised concerns over fairness and Pakistan's potential pathway to the 2026 World Cup. Tensions have intensified following the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly led to visa denials for the Pakistani squad, casting uncertainty over their participation. As of now, neither the AHF nor the Indian government has issued an official statement regarding the situation.
