KARACHI: Pakistan’s national hockey team departed for their European tour but three players will be joining them later due to visa issues.

Shakeel Abbasi, Mohammad Waseem and Mohammad Imran, who were included in the squad late by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), did not get visas and are likely to miss the first match against Belgium.

Pakistan will play Germany and Holland during the tour.

Pakistan’s hockey coach Khwaja Junaid has said the European tour is important for the Olympic preparations and will help the team improve.