NEW DELHI: A well-known Pakistani international kabaddi player, Ubaidullah Rajput, is facing the possibility of strict disciplinary measures after participating for an Indian team in a private tournament held in Bahrain on December 16.
Rajput came under scrutiny after videos and photos showing him wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag at the GCC Cup went viral.
The secretary of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, Rana Sarwar, stated that an emergency PKF meeting has been scheduled on December 27 to discuss the matter and decide on disciplinary actions against Rajput and some other players.
"I can confirm it was a private event with private teams formed under the names of India, Pakistan, Canada, Iran etc. in the competition by the organisers. But all the teams had players of their own origin. Indian players represented the Indian private side and Ubaidullah played for them which is unacceptable in these circumstances,” Sarwar said.
He further noted that 16 Pakistani players had traveled to Bahrain in their personal capacity without obtaining permission from the federation or the Pakistan Sports Board.
"So action will also be taken against these players for falsely playing under the names of Pakistan team."
Rajput has issued an apology and explained that he was invited to participate in the Bahrain event and was included in a private team.
"But I didn't know until later they had named the side Indian team and I told the organizers to don't use names of India and Pakistan.
"In private competitions in the past Indian and Pakistan players have played together for a private team but never under the names of India or Pakistan."
"I was not under the impression until I found out later that I was misrepresented as playing for the Indian team which I can't think of doing after the conflict."
(With PTI Inputs)
