In a significant disciplinary action, the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has handed an indefinite ban to its international player, Ubaidullah Rajput. The ban comes after Rajput was found to have represented a team identified as an Indian side in a private tournament held in Bahrain earlier this month.
The Reason Behind the Ban
The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) took this stern decision following an emergency meeting held on Saturday. The federation concluded that Rajput had committed a serious breach of protocol by traveling abroad to participate in the GCC Cup tournament in Bahrain without obtaining the mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the national federation or other relevant authorities.
PKF Secretary Rana Sarwar stated that the matter was viewed with utmost seriousness. He highlighted that Rajput's violations were multi-fold: he traveled overseas without approval, played for a team identified as Indian, wore its jersey, and was seen in viral videos wrapping the Indian flag around his shoulders after a match victory.
Rajput's Defense and Viral Controversy
The controversy erupted when videos and photographs from the private tournament went viral on social media, clearly showing Rajput in an Indian jersey. In his defense, Rajput had earlier issued an apology, claiming a misunderstanding.
He stated that he was invited to play in Bahrain and was included in a private team. "I didn't know until later they had named the side Indian team," Rajput said. He claimed to have told organizers not to use the names of India or Pakistan, citing that players from both nations have previously played together for private teams in such events, but never under national banners.
"I found out later that I was misrepresented as playing for the Indian team which I can’t think of doing after the conflict," he added. However, PKF Secretary Sarwar countered this, saying, "But he is still guilty of flouting NOC rules."
Disciplinary Action and Appeal Process
Sarwar confirmed that Ubaidullah Rajput has the right to appeal the decision before a disciplinary committee of the federation. It was also revealed that other Pakistani players who participated in the same tournament without the required NOCs have also faced bans and fines, underscoring the federation's strict stance on the issue.
This incident highlights the stringent regulations governing international sports participation and the sensitive nature of sporting ties between India and Pakistan. The indefinite ban serves as a strong reminder to all athletes about the consequences of bypassing official channels and protocols.
