ISLAMABAD: In a shocking and deeply embarrassing turn of events, the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) abruptly withdrew the national athletics team from the prestigious Imam Ali Reza International Athletics Meet in Iran -- just hours before their scheduled departure, leaving the organizers blindsided and scrambling to understand the inexplicable decision.
The international event, set to commence in Mashhad, Iran, on Friday, was to feature an eight-member Pakistani contingent that had been meticulously preparing for months. However, as the Iranian organisers were en-route to the airport to receive the Pakistan team -- after arranging non-refundable hotel bookings, transportation, and meeting all logistical requirements -- they received a last-minute notification from the AFP that the team would not be on the incoming flight.
Speaking exclusively to ‘The News’ via WhatsApp, one of the meet organisers expressed frustration and bewilderment at the sudden turn of events.
“We had completed all the preparations. Hotel rooms were booked (non-refundable), transport was arranged and we were looking forward to welcoming Pakistan team. Just as we were heading to the airport, we received a call informing us the team would not be arriving. It was a huge shock.” According to the organisera, all required documents for the team’s visa processing had been provided well in advance, and no red flags had been raised.
“Visa was never an issue. We sent all documentation as early as in the second week of April,” she clarified, countering claims from AFP that visa delays were to blame. Back in Islamabad, athletes were reportedly packed and ready to depart when they were suddenly informed by the AFP of unspecified “visa complications.”
The eight-member squad comprising Shajar Abbas, Mohammad Ikram, Mohammad Yasir, Sharoz Khan, Abdul Moeed, Mohammad Ismail, and Mohammad Akhtar had been in intense training for this meet. Their participation was viewed as crucial preparation ahead of the Asian Athletics Championship in South Korea, scheduled for May 27.
The decision is especially baffling given that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) had already issued an NOC for the team’s participation in the Mashhad event. Pakistan had previously performed commendably at the same meet in 2022, finishing third despite sending a smaller squad. Hopes were high for a repeat performance until this dramatic and unexplained withdrawal.
Efforts to contact Lt. Col. Shahjehan Mir, Secretary AFP, have so far proven futile. Multiple messages sent to his WhatsApp account went unanswered, further deepening the mystery and raising questions about accountability within the federation.
The Iranian organisers, understandably frustrated, stated: “We are taking this matter seriously and will be exploring all options. This has not only caused financial loss but also disrupted the integrity of our event.”
This incident now casts a long shadow over the credibility of Pakistan’s athletic administration. With athletes demoralized, international relations strained, and public confidence shaken, pressure is mounting on the Pakistan Sports Board to launch a full-scale inquiry into the incident. The nation’s sporting reputation is at stake, and the silence of those responsible only amplifies the need for immediate and transparent action.
