Crisis in Pakistan hockey: PHF sacks selectors, coaching staff after Australia tour fiasco

The interim president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has dissolved the national team’s selection panel and coaching staff and constituted a professional development committee following recent upheaval in the sport.The decision comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the men’s team’s tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League, which laid bare serious administrative lapses within the PHF.

On arrival in Canberra, the team was reportedly denied check-in at their hotel due to unpaid bills that had led to the cancellation of their bookings. Players were left stranded with their luggage for several hours before alternative arrangements were made.In response, federal secretary Muhuydin Wani has approved the formation of a new committee, to be jointly led by former hockey greats Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hasan Sardar.A PHF spokesperson said the committee aims to ensure technical excellence in administration and introduce greater professionalism within Pakistan hockey. The two Olympians will supervise national team selection, implement specialised training protocols, and set strict performance benchmarks for coaches and players.

They will also co-chair a Professional Advisory Committee tasked with overseeing long-term management appointments. Additional members will be included in consultation with Siddiqui and Sardar.After the Australia tour, captain Ammad Shakeel Butt revealed that players had to stay in substandard Airbnb accommodations and manage daily chores themselves — including cooking and cleaning — even on match days.As part of broader restructuring efforts, the PHF has separated corporate governance, marketing and resource mobilisation from technical hockey operations to ensure more focused oversight.The spokesperson added that the interim president has outlined a clear roadmap to improve governance standards and revive the sport’s structure in the country.Former Olympian Khawaja Junaid has been appointed interim head coach and will take charge of preparations for the upcoming Olympic qualifying event in Egypt scheduled in the coming weeks.