Logistics play spoilsport: India-Pakistan hockey tournament in UK postponed due to visa problems

Karachi: A hockey series planned between the veteran teams of Pakistan and India in England has been postponed after the United Kingdom High Commission did not issue visas to eight former Pakistan Olympians and internationals. The three matches were due to be played on 13, 14 and 15 May with the Berkshire hockey club hosting the matches between the two arch-rivals. [caption id=“attachment_2770290” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational photo. Getty Images[/caption] Sources close to former Pakistan players said that apparently the UK High Commission refused to issue the visas since the Berkshire club had not got clearance to host the series from the England Hockey Association. “The rules state that the affiliated clubs have to get permission from the national body for events involving foreign teams and players,” one source said. The source said since the Pakistani players had not got approval letters from the English Hockey Association, the UK High Commission did not issue the visas. Thse who did not get visas include some top notch former Olympians and internationals who are said to be upset with this development. The source said that Hockey India had also advised its players not to apply for visas until they get approval letters from the hosts and English Hockey Association.