The Pakistan hockey team faced humiliation in Canberra, Australia, after arriving for the second leg of the Men’s FIH Pro League in Hobart. Reports indicate that their hotel bookings were cancelled because the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) failed to pay the bills due to a lack of funds, leaving players and officials stranded on the streets for several hours.
How Pakistan Hockey Team Arrived
The squad, which had flown in from Lahore, expected to stay in a four-star hotel with arrangements reportedly made and prepaid by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and PHF. However, on arrival, they found no confirmed bookings.
Head coach Tahir Zaman struggled to reach officials in Pakistan because of the time difference. The team, fatigued after a long journey, was forced to wait outside the hotel with their luggage, unsure where they would spend the night.
Eventually, the hotel management agreed to accommodate the team, but only a limited number of rooms were available. As a result, two to three players had to share a single room, leaving them little time to rest before their first match against hosts Australia men’s national field hockey team, which they lost 3–2.
Local Pakistani residents in Canberra stepped in to provide financial assistance, helping the team finally secure proper accommodation.
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Ongoing Struggles
This is not the first financial setback for the Pakistan Hockey team. During the first phase of the Pro League in Argentina, players reportedly did not receive their daily allowances on time due to the PHF’s financial difficulties.
The team is also touring without a regular manager after former Olympian Anjum Saeed was removed from his post following an incident on a flight.
Pakistan have struggled in the tournament so far, losing all six of their matches, including fixtures against top-ranked sides such as Germany men’s national field hockey team.
Also Read: FIH Pro League Rourkela Leg: Where To Watch Live In India For Free
Concerns Over Management
The incident has drawn criticism of the federation’s administrative and financial management of the Pakistan hockey team, highlighting the urgent need for structural reforms to protect players and preserve the country’s legacy in its national sport.
The PHF now faces growing pressure to ensure that such avoidable embarrassments do not recur and that the players receive proper support and preparation on international tours.
