NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has intervened to support the national hockey team following serious allegations of mismanagement during their Australia tour for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26.
The controversy erupted after players accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) of failing to make proper arrangements during the tour. According to the team, no hotel accommodation had been secured in Australia, forcing them to spend hours outside before arranging their own stay. Players also claimed they had to cook meals and manage daily chores themselves while staying in an Airbnb property.
The revelations sparked widespread criticism in Pakistan, with fans and former players questioning the federation’s handling of the national side.
In the aftermath, PHF president Tariq Bugti reportedly submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, tensions escalated further when team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt was suspended for two years — a move that drew backlash from both players and supporters.
Amid the turmoil, Naqvi stepped forward to offer assistance. Addressing the players, he assured them of full cooperation and support from the PCB to stabilize hockey operations during the crisis.
“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi said.
He also urged the players to concentrate solely on their performance, emphasizing the importance of national pride.
“You should focus only on the game. Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not allow the country’s dignity to be compromised under any circumstances,” he stated during a meeting with the team.
Later, Naqvi clarified via social media that he does not intend to take over the Pakistan Hockey Federation but will extend assistance until the situation stabilizes. “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends,” he wrote on X.
Reports suggest that the PCB provided financial relief to the team, with each national player receiving one million Pakistani rupees in assistance.
Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt subsequently indicated that his suspension would be withdrawn. He also revealed that the PCB is planning to organize a training camp in Lahore to help the team prepare for the upcoming Hockey World Cup qualifiers.
The intervention marks a significant step toward restoring stability within Pakistan’s hockey setup after a period of administrative turmoil.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
