Pakistan Hockey Team's (Off-The-Field) Ordeal Down Under! PSB's Efforts, PHF's 'Lies', And Players Left To Fend For Themselves!

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 12:15 IST

The endemic levels of corruption and mismanagement at PHF were laid bare as players were left stranded without lodging ahead of their defeats to the Australia and Germany.

Pakistan Hockey Federation’s abysmal administration came to the fore after the side’s skipper, Ammad Shakeel Butt, opened up on the sorry state of affairs the team has had to experience during their recent trip to Australia for their FIH Pro League engagement.

In a recent revelation, Butt acknowledged that the side was stranded on the road due to unpaid rent at accommodations and also admitted that the side had to wait for over 12 hours, while still carrying their bags and luggage, ahead of their fixture in Sydney, laying bare the endemic levels of corruption and mismanagement at the PHF.

He also added that the team’s daily allowance hasn’t been paid since 2023 in a shocking reveal, and added that the side had to cook their own food and clean up after on their own.

Butt also acknowledged that he was pressured by the team management into lying on tape that everything was indeed fine, while the very real possibility and threats of ban on players were the reality behind the scenes.

The Pakistani Hockey team were left stranded for nearly half a day following their arrival in Sydney, and found that their accommodation bookings had been cancelled upon arrival at the location due to non-payment. The side eventually had to move into a property they rented on AirBnb, for 10 of the 13 days of their overseas schedule, which forced them to move into another modest accommodation midway through their stay.

The Pakistan Sports Board revealed that he that released in surplus of Rs 10 million to cover the accomodation expenses for the Australian tour.

Pakistan went down to Australia and Germany in Sydney, following which Butt lashed out stating that it was unfair to expect players to perform after having been forced to clean the lavvy and kitchen utensils.

“These are the boys who work strenuously for the sake of their country. How can restrictions be imposed upon them? And, how can they play after cleaning toilets and washing kitchenware," Butt said in a statement.

“The federation asked every player separately if they are with the federation or the captain," he revealed.

“We were told not to speak to the media or face a ban. I do not accept the PHF’s code of conduct. I am under no pressure," he said.

“We know the wrongs committed against us," he added.

PSB director Noorish Sabah, who was present at the airport to receive the players, confirmed that the PSB had initially arranged and paid for hotel bookings in Australia, which were later cancelled by the PHF.

“The team management lied to us. If food and accommodation are not up to standard, performance will inevitably suffer," Sabah said.

Sabah added that the PHF was responsible for the ordeal the players had to endure despite PSB’s best efforts to provide suitable accommodation, and a detailed inquiry and report would be submitted to Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif.

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