The Pakistan hockey tour controversy has intensified after national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt publicly accused team management and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) of serious mismanagement during the recent Australia tour.
Speaking to media representatives at Lahore airport upon the team’s return, Butt confirmed that reports circulating about poor treatment of players in Australia were true. He alleged that players were subjected to conditions that no professional athletes should face.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Poor Conditions
According to Butt, players were forced to perform menial tasks such as cleaning kitchens, washing dishes, doing their own laundry, and scrubbing washrooms before heading to training sessions and matches.
“These are players who work hard for their country. How can they perform after cleaning toilets and washing kitchenware?” Butt questioned while addressing reporters.
He further alleged that players were instructed to manage their three daily meals within just 115 US dollars, calling the situation unacceptable for an international tour.
Butt claimed that the management attempted to divide the squad by asking players individually whether they supported the captain or the federation. He stated that the entire team stood united behind him.
The captain also said the players were warned not to speak to the media and were threatened with bans if they violated the PHF’s code of conduct. “I do not accept the PHF’s code of conduct. I am under no pressure,” he said firmly.
Pakistan Sports Board Responds
Reacting to the controversy, Noorish Sabah, Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), appeared at the airport to receive the team and addressed the media.
Sabah confirmed that the PSB had arranged and paid for hotel bookings in Australia, but claimed those bookings were later cancelled by the PHF. “The team management lied to us,” she stated.
She added that if players are not provided with proper food and accommodation, their performance will naturally suffer. Sabah assured that a detailed inquiry report would be sent to the Prime Minister and emphasized that such treatment of national athletes would not be tolerated.
Future of Pakistan Hockey
Despite the controversy, Butt expressed confidence in the team’s potential. He maintained that Pakistan has the ability to win major international tournaments, including the World Cup and the Olympics. However, he stressed the urgent need for a qualified foreign coach to improve the team’s direction and performance.
The Pakistan hockey tour controversy has raised serious questions about governance and player welfare within the federation. As calls for accountability grow louder, authorities are now under pressure to investigate the allegations and ensure better management of national teams in the future.
