Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has delivered a blistering public rebuke of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), laying bare what he described as humiliation, mismanagement and deception during the team’s recent tour of Australia for the FIH Men’s Pro League.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Lahore Airport, Butt did not mince words. His frustration was visible, his tone unwavering. After days of silence- and one controversial video in which he had claimed everything was “fine”- the captain admitted that the reality was very different.
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? What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10 days,” the skipper said.
According to Butt, the ordeal began as soon as the team landed in Australia. The squad reportedly waited between 13 and 14 hours at Sydney Airport before catching a connecting flight. What awaited them in Canberra was worse.
Hotel staff allegedly informed the Pakistan Hockey players that no booking had been confirmed because advance payments had not been made. With luggage in hand and no rooms secured, the national team of a former hockey superpower found itself wandering for hours before temporary arrangements were made.
Even those arrangements were inadequate. An Airbnb was reportedly booked for 10 days, despite the tour lasting 13. Midway through the competition, the team had to shift to cheaper accommodation. Players, Butt claimed, were forced to cook their own meals, wash dishes, clean bedrooms and toilets- sometimes just hours before stepping onto the pitch.
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The Video That Wasn’t True
During the controversy, a video surfaced in which Butt appeared to dismiss claims of mismanagement. On Wednesday, he admitted that statement was made under pressure.
Team management, he said, told him that news of the situation had “reached India” and was damaging Pakistan’s reputation. Concerned about national image, he recorded a video claiming everything was under control.
“Let me first clarify that whatever news reached Pakistan is completely true. The videos that were sent from my team and by me were real. However, we were told by our team management that the matter had reached India. When India was mentioned, I personally felt that this was about my country, and my country should not be defamed. So I made a video saying that everything was fine and no injustice was happening with the team. But in reality, that was not true. Whatever messages, videos, and reports came out are all true”, he added.
Where Did the Money Go?
The crisis has deepened following confirmation from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) that it had released more than Rs 10 million to the PHF specifically to cover hotel accommodation expenses.
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The discrepancy has prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order an inquiry into the episode. Sharif also serves as patron-in-chief of the PHF, placing the matter at the highest level of oversight.
The central question now is straightforward: if funds were allocated, why were bookings cancelled?
Also Read: Pakistan Hockey Team Stranded On Canberra Streets Amid Fund Crisis
Defeats on the Field for Pakistan Hockey
Pakistan hockey team’s on-field performance mirrored the off-field turmoil. The team lost all four matches in the Australia leg of the Pro League, including games against Australia and Germany.
Butt stopped short of using the logistical chaos as an excuse, but he made it clear that preparation under such circumstances was severely compromised. The players, he said, were focused on survival rather than strategy.
