Pakistan hockey players revolt against PHF, say they had to wash dishes and stay in Airbnbs as no hotel was booked

Pakistan’s national hockey team has accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) of serious mismanagement during their recent Australia tour, with captain Shakeel Ammad Butt claiming players were forced to “wash dishes before going to play a match” and left without proper accommodation despite funds being allocated, a PTI report stated. The allegations came as the team returned to Lahore early this morning after a disappointing FIH Pro League leg in Australia.

Pakistan hockey captain says ‘enough was enough’

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Butt openly criticised the federation and said the players could not continue under the current administration.

"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?"


He said the team had been repeatedly misled by officials and decided to speak out after enduring what he described as humiliating conditions during the tour.

Funds sanctioned, but no hotel rooms

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has confirmed that it released more than 10 million Pakistani rupees to the PHF for the team’s stay in Australia. However, on arrival, the squad reportedly found that no hotel rooms had been booked as no advance payment had been made.

The players first had to wait for 13–14 hours at Sydney airport before taking a connecting flight to Canberra. Once they reached, they were left stranded without accommodation and had to wait for hours, even roaming the streets until arrangements were made.

Airbnbs arranged, but not for full tour

Butt said even the alternative accommodation fell short of the team’s schedule.

"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," he said.

The team had to shift accommodation midway through the tour, adding to the stress ahead of crucial matches.

Poor results add to frustration

Pakistan lost their opening match against Australia 2–3 and went on to lose all their fixtures in the Australia leg, including matches against Germany. The captain suggested that the off-field chaos directly affected the team’s performance.

PSB Director-General Noor us Sabah said a detailed report is being prepared for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Sharif is also the patron-in-chief of the PHF.

The episode has triggered sharp criticism of the federation’s functioning and raised questions over how the funds meant for the national team were utilised.

Players warned not to speak

Butt also revealed that players had been cautioned by officials against speaking to the media about their experience.

"I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia," he said, adding that the players felt compelled to bring the issue into the open.

The captain said Pakistan hockey needs structural reform to move forward and demanded better management support.

"We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management," he added.

The controversy has once again exposed deep administrative troubles in Pakistan hockey, with players now openly demanding accountability as they return from a tour they say was marked more by hardship than sport.