In a dramatic sports controversy, Pakistan international kabaddi player Ubaidullah Rajput has been handed an indefinite ban by the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) after he appeared in an Indian team’s uniform and waved the Indian tricolour during a private tournament in Bahrain. 

The incident occurred at the GCC Kabaddi Cup in Salmabad earlier this month when Rajput played for a side labelled as ‘India’. Footage circulating on social media showed him wearing the Indian jersey and holding the Indian flag after a match victory, triggering a storm of criticism back home in Pakistan. 

The PKF held an emergency meeting on Saturday, where officials said Rajput violated federation rules by participating abroad without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC). In addition, his representation of a team designated as ‘India’ and public display of another country’s flag was seen as a serious breach of conduct. 

“The decision to ban Rajput indefinitely reflects the seriousness with which we view these violations,” said PKF secretary Rana Sarwar, adding that Rajput still has the option to appeal before a disciplinary committee. 

Rajput has issued a public apology, claiming he was unaware that the team would be identified as representing India when he accepted the invitation to play. He said organisers informed him later about the team’s designation and that in previous private events Indian and Pakistani players had played together without national labels. 

The controversy underscores the complex sensitivities surrounding sports and national identity between India and Pakistan, even in private sporting events.