Ubaidullah Rajput, a Pakistani international kabaddi player, has been indefinitely banned by the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) after representing an Indian team in a private tournament held in Bahrain earlier this month. The PKF made the decision following an emergency meeting on Saturday, December 27, 2025, where they concluded that Rajput had violated regulations by traveling abroad to participate in the event without obtaining the mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the federation or relevant authorities.

The controversy arose after videos and photographs circulated on social media showing Rajput wearing an Indian jersey and waving the Indian flag during the GCC Cup. These images sparked sharp reactions, especially considering the strained sporting relations between India and Pakistan.

PKF Secretary Rana Sarwar stated that the federation took the matter seriously, emphasizing that Rajput not only traveled overseas without the necessary approval but also represented an Indian team, donned their jersey, and was seen with the Indian flag. Sarwar also confirmed that Rajput has the right to appeal the decision before a disciplinary committee.

Rajput, however, claimed that his participation was a misunderstanding. He explained that he was invited to play in the tournament for a private team and was initially unaware that the team would be presented as an Indian side. He added that he requested the organizers not to use the names of India and Pakistan, noting that in previous private tournaments, players from both countries have participated together without national labels. Rajput stated that he only realized later that he was being misrepresented as playing for the Indian team, something he asserted he would not do, especially given the existing political tensions.

Despite Rajput's explanation, the PKF maintained that violating NOC rules was sufficient grounds for disciplinary action. Sarwar noted that other players who participated in the event without obtaining NOCs have also been banned and fined, signaling the federation's commitment to enforcing stricter compliance and upholding standards of national representation.

The incident has ignited discussions about the involvement of Pakistani players in events organized under the Indian banner, particularly in light of the tense relationship between the two nations. It remains to be seen whether Rajput will appeal the ban and what the outcome of such an appeal might be.