The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) is under investigation for withdrawing from the Imam Ali Raza Athletics Championship in Iran at the last minute. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has written a letter to the AFP seeking an explanation for the withdrawal, which caused financial losses to the host country and prevented Pakistan’s athletes from competing in the event. The AFP had confirmed their participation in the championship and had even obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the PSB.
The Iranian organizers had made all necessary arrangements, including non-refundable hotel bookings and transportation, for the eight-member Pakistan contingent. However, just days before the event, the AFP informed the organizers that the team would not be arriving, causing shock and frustration. The organizers are planning to write a letter to the international body and the AFP to express their concern about Pakistan’s late withdrawal.
The PSB has expressed disappointment and embarrassment over the incident, stating that it has severely undermined the morale of Pakistani athletes and strained bilateral sporting relations. The PSB had fulfilled all formalities and issued an NOC for the team’s participation, and the Iranian organizers had completed all visa arrangements. The PSB has asked the AFP to submit a detailed written explanation within three days, stating the reasons behind the abrupt withdrawal.
The incident has raised questions about the governance and accountability of the AFP, and the PSB has called for an explanation to prevent such incidents in the future. The withdrawal has also affected the preparations of Pakistani athletes for the upcoming Asian Athletics championship. The PSB has emphasized that such behavior reflects poorly on the country’s sporting reputation and has urged the AFP to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The AFP has been given a deadline to respond to the PSB’s letter, and further action may be taken if a satisfactory explanation is not provided.