The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) received Rs 10 million from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) specifically to arrange five-star hotel accommodations and other facilities for the squad
Asnar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, FEB 17: /DNA/ – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the alleged mismanagement and substandard services provided to the national hockey team during their recent FIH Pro League campaign in Australia, ordering a thorough inquiry into financial irregularities and administrative lapses.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) received Rs 10 million from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) specifically to arrange five-star hotel accommodations and other facilities for the squad. However, players and officials faced severe hardships upon arrival, including hotel bookings being cancelled due to non-payment, forcing them to spend hours stranded on the streets of Canberra and Hobart. Reports indicate the team was ultimately housed in substandard guest houses, budget Airbnbs, and cramped shared rooms—far below the promised standards—despite the allocated funds. The ordeal compounded the team’s poor on-field performance.
Expressing deep concern over the mistreatment of national athletes, the Prime Minister directed authorities to investigate the misuse of funds, fix responsibility, and ensure strict action against those involved in the negligence and irregularities. “Our players represent the nation with dedication and deserve dignity, proper support, and world-class facilities—no excuses for such failures will be tolerated,” sources close to the PM quoted him as saying.
The incident has sparked outrage among fans, former players like Hassan Sardar and Samiullah Khan, who called it “shameful,” and called for systemic reforms in hockey governance to revive the national sport’s glory.
