Pakistan’s volleyball team is set to drop out of participation in the AVC Challenge Cup after being denied NOCs by the Foreign Ministry.

The Asian Volleyball Confedration Challenge Cup will be played in Chinese Taipei from July 8 to July 15. Pakistan’s team was hoping to depart on Wednesday if necessary requirements had been fulfilled.

However, the Foreign Office never issued the No-Objection Certificate that would allow the team to participate.

Pakistan’s team had been placed in Group E along with Australia and Vietnam. The national team had participated in the Challenge Cup in 2016 as well.

Non-participation in the tournament is likely to get a financial penalty imposed on Pakistan Volleyball Federation. Although it is not clear yet, the fine could be as high as Rs10 million.