Pakistan kabaddi player plays for Indian team, set to face disciplinary action

A leading Pakistani international kabaddi player, Ubaidullah Rajput, is staring at possible disciplinary action after his participation in a private tournament in Bahrain triggered a major controversy back home.

The issue surfaced after images and videos of Rajput wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag during the GCC Cup on December 16 began circulating widely on social media. His appearance for a team labelled as India in the tournament immediately drew criticism and attention from officials in Pakistan.

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Pakistan Kabaddi Federation secretary Rana Sarwar confirmed that an emergency meeting of the federation has been scheduled for December 27 to review the matter and decide on action against Rajput and several other players involved.

Sarwar clarified that the event in Bahrain was a privately organised competition, where teams were named after countries such as India, Pakistan, Canada and Iran by the organisers. However, he stressed that each team was expected to comprise players from its own country.

“I can confirm it was a private event with private teams formed under the names of India, Pakistan, Canada, Iran etc 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 revealed that 16 Pakistani players had travelled to Bahrain in their personal capacity without seeking approval from either the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation or the Pakistan Sports Board.

“As a result, action will also be taken against these players for falsely playing under the name of the Pakistan team,” he added.

Rajput, meanwhile, has issued a public apology and offered his explanation for the incident. He stated that he was invited to take part in the tournament and was selected for a private team, without initially being informed that the side would be presented as the Indian team.

“I did not know until later that they had named the side as the Indian team, and I told the organisers not to use the names of India and Pakistan,” Rajput said.

He also pointed out that in previous private competitions, Indian and Pakistani players have featured together in mixed teams, but never under national team identities.

“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, especially after the conflict,” he added.

The federation is now set to deliberate on the matter, with Rajput’s future participation hanging in the balance as officials weigh the circumstances surrounding his involvement in the Bahrain event.