3 Big Players to Miss FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Due to Visa and Club Issues

Pakistan are set to make their historic appearance at the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, but the national team is expected to enter the tournament without three important players — Adil Nabi, Harun Hamid and Otis Khan — with visa, documentation and club-related issues keeping the trio out.

The absence of the three players is a significant blow for Pakistan, particularly because all three have been part of the national-team setup and could have added valuable experience to the squad.

Adil Nabi and Harun Hamid Face Visa and Documentation Issues

Adil Nabi is among the latest players to miss out after recently joining Greek third-tier club Panachaiki. Nabi has reportedly been unable to travel for international duty because of a documentation issue connected to his move to Greece. While the exact document has not been publicly specified, such cases generally involve the residence or work authorization required for a non-EU player to live and work in the country. Travelling before the relevant paperwork is finalized can also create difficulties with returning to the country and resuming club duties.

The absence of Nabi could be particularly significant for Pakistan. The midfielder has established himself as an important part of the national team's midfield, with his ability to control the tempo and dictate the pace of the game making him a key player in Pakistan's recent setup. Notably, Pakistan have not lost a game in which Nabi has featured, underlining his importance to the side.

Harun Hamid is facing a similar situation. The Pakistan international is in the process of joining a Bosnian second-tier club, but a work-visa issue has prevented him from completing the move and travelling for Pakistan. The problem is related to the immigration requirements attached to playing professionally in Europe, with the necessary paperwork still needing to be resolved.

Hamid's absence is another major blow for Pakistan, particularly after his recent form. The forward was the top scorer in Pakistan's recent Diamond Jubilee tournament, making his goalscoring ability an important asset that the national team will now have to do without in Indonesia.

Otis Khan: Club Release Prevents International Duty

Otis Khan is another major absence for Pakistan, but his situation is different from Nabi and Hamid.Khan, who plays for Altrincham, has not been released by his club for the ASEAN Cup because of the competition's scheduling and the importance of the player to his club side.

Altrincham compete in the English National League, where domestic fixtures continue during the international period. Khan is considered an important member of the team, making his absence a significant sporting concern for the club.

Under FIFA regulations, clubs are generally required to release players for international duty during designated FIFA international windows, subject to the applicable regulations and exceptions. However, the ASEAN Cup falls within an extended international period, creating a different scheduling situation for clubs such as Altrincham.

Otis Khan will be a major miss for Pakistan, with the experienced workhorse capable of operating effectively both in midfield and on the wings. His creativity and versatility were on full display at the Diamond Jubilee tournament, where he was named Player of the Tournament after providing multiple assists.

The three absences come at an unfortunate time for Pakistan, who are preparing for their first-ever appearance at the FIFA ASEAN Cup.The PFF will not call up replacements for the three players, meaning Pakistan will have to do without them at the ASEAN Cup. Their absence leaves the midfield particularly weakened, with Adil Nabi and Otis Khan having been important figures in the middle of the park and regarded as part of the backbone of the side, while the loss of Harun Hamid also takes away an important attacking option.

The national team's training camp is expected to begin on September 12, with Pakistan expected to depart for Indonesia around September 21–22 ahead of the tournament.

The ASEAN Cup represents an important opportunity for Pakistan to test itself against teams from Southeast Asia and gain valuable international experience. However, the absence of Nabi, Hamid and Khan means the national team will have to begin its historic campaign without three players who could have played important roles in Pakistan's push for a strong tournament.