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ISLAMABAD — Minister for Interprovincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah has taken notice of alleged mismanagement by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) during the national team’s recent tour of Australia, directing the federation to submit a detailed report and warning of action against those found responsible.
The development follows reports that the Pakistan hockey team faced serious administrative and logistical difficulties during its participation in the FIH Pro League in Australia .
Visa Delays and Stranded Players
The tour ran into trouble before departure. The squad’s initial travel plan was cancelled after Australian immigration authorities rejected visa applications, citing incorrectly filled forms submitted by the PHF. After revised documentation, the team finally travelled on February 5 .
Upon arrival in Sydney, the team faced a 12 to 13-hour layover before their connecting flight to Hobart. With no hotel bookings or food arrangements made by the PHF, players were left stranded. One player contacted friends in Sydney who arrived late at night, arranged food, and briefly took the squad to a public area before returning them to the airport .
Hotel Booking Cancelled Due to Non-Payment
The situation worsened upon reaching Hobart. The team waited nearly three hours in the lobby of the DoubleTree by Hilton before being informed their booking had been cancelled due to non-payment. Hotel management reportedly told the team that any new reservation would only be possible at significantly higher rates .
With no funds available to confirm the booking, players and support staff were forced to independently arrange low-cost Airbnb accommodation . The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) later confirmed it had given the PHF more than 10 million rupees to arrange hotel accommodation .
Captain’s Emotional Outburst
Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt lashed out at the federation upon the team’s return to Lahore, revealing even more disturbing details.
“We can’t work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match, what result do you expect from us?” a livid Butt asked .
Butt disclosed that even the Airbnb accommodation was only arranged for 10 days when the team had to stay for 13, forcing them to move into cheaper lodgings mid-tour. He also revealed that the PHF had warned players of disciplinary action if they spoke to the media .
PHF and PSB Trade Blame
An administrative row has emerged between the PSB and PHF over responsibility. PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti stated that financial and administrative responsibilities for the tour, including hotel reservations, were assigned to the PSB in accordance with directives of the Senate Standing Committee on Sports .
However, a senior PSB official, Rana Nasrullah, said adequate funds had been provided to the team management, questioning how accommodation issues could arise if financial resources were available .
According to an inquiry report submitted by the PSB to the Prime Minister, the PSB paid $49,280 in advance to cover the hotel booking, plus $1,610 per player for meal costs. The report notes that arranging a hotel other than the one requested, after receiving full payment, is considered inappropriate .
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the mismanagement, with the PSB confirming a formal inquiry has been initiated . Rana Sanaullah termed the situation serious and said accountability would be ensured if negligence is established .
“Mismanagement has not only affected the players but has also damaged the reputation of the sport and the country. Those responsible for disgracing hockey will not be spared under any circumstances,” said Sanaullah .
Hockey Legends React
Former Olympians Hassan Sardar and Samiullah termed the incident “shameful” and demanded an inquiry .
“The Prime Minister has a lot of time for cricket but he is also the patron-in-chief of the PHF, and I would request him to also clean up hockey affairs. This is shameful,” said Samiullah .
Sardar questioned how athletes could be expected to compete at an elite level under such conditions: “Imagine how demoralised the players and support staff must be going into a tough tournament against top teams” .
The team remained winless in the Australian leg, suffering defeats in all four matches against Australia and Germany .
