Pakistan’s Irfan banned for a match for using illegal pads

NEW DELHI: Pakistan hockey player Irfan Muhammad was handed a one-match suspension for using illegal equipment in the match against India in their World Cup group opener.

Irfan, who is a defender, will now miss Pakistan’s next game against Spain on Tuesday at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Tournament director Ken Read while announcing the decision said: “Irfan wore a long gauntlet type glove and a knee pad to defend the first penalty corner. In the Pakistan equipment bag, behind the goal, was the pair of each of these. The technical director removed the equipments immediately after Irfan was seen wearing them. Pakistan manager Asif Bajwa was invited to a hearing to explain what had occurred.”

Another Pakistani player was warned for using the same equipments in the Champions Challenge tournament at Salta in Argentina.

“At the managers’ meeting for this event, it was explained that there would be zero tolerance for wearing any equipment which is not approved. Asif admitted that the equipment worn by Irfan did not meet FIH’s approval,” Read said.

Irfan was called to the hearing and admitted wearing the equipment. Bajwa also admitted being guilt and apologised for it.