New Delhi | RBN News
Pakistan’s hockey administration has come under scrutiny after reports claimed that the national team was forced to stay in Airbnb accommodations during its recent tour of Australia, despite the allocation of 10 million Pakistani rupees (approximately Rs 1 crore) for five-star hotel arrangements.
The development has intensified criticism of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), which is already facing backlash over alleged financial mismanagement during the Hockey World League tour.
Accommodation Crisis in Australia
According to reports, the Pakistan team travelled to Australia for the Hockey World League but encountered severe logistical problems. In Canberra, hotel reservations were reportedly cancelled due to unpaid bills, leaving players temporarily stranded.
The situation drew public attention after it emerged that players and coaching staff were compelled to manage daily chores, including washing dishes and clothes, during the tour.
A report citing PTI stated that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) had released 10 million rupees to the PHF specifically for five-star hotel accommodations. However, the team reportedly spent the entire tour staying in Airbnb properties.
The discrepancy has prompted renewed questions about financial oversight within the federation.
Captain’s Suspension and Reversal
The issue escalated when Pakistan hockey captain Ahmed Shakeel Butt publicly criticised the PHF over the team’s treatment. He was subsequently suspended by then PHF president Tariq Bugti.
However, the suspension was later revoked by the government. Bugti resigned shortly after the controversy, and Muhuydin Ahmed Wan was appointed as the new PHF president. The appointment was reportedly endorsed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who serves as the patron-in-chief of the PHF.
Wan described the earlier suspension of the captain as “illegal and unconstitutional,” leading to its immediate withdrawal.
PCB Steps In
Amid mounting criticism, Mohsin Naqvi, president of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s interior minister, met with the hockey team to assure support.
Naqvi directed officials to arrange tickets, kits, and hotel bookings for the upcoming Hockey World Cup qualifiers in Egypt. He also ordered the organisation of a training camp and instructed that injured players receive immediate medical attention.
According to PCB statements, each player was handed a cheque of 1 million rupees as assistance.
“Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not let the dignity of this nation be compromised under any circumstances,” Naqvi was quoted as saying.
Governance Concerns
The episode has raised broader concerns about governance and financial transparency within Pakistan’s sports administration. Critics argue that mismanagement and administrative instability have contributed to the decline of Pakistan hockey, once considered a dominant force in international competition.
Officials from the PHF have not publicly detailed how the funds allocated for accommodation were utilised.
What Happens Next
The government’s intervention and leadership change at the PHF are expected to trigger internal reviews. Observers say the focus will now shift to restoring institutional credibility and ensuring adequate preparation for upcoming international competitions.
The incident has added to the challenges facing Pakistan hockey, with stakeholders calling for structural reforms to prevent similar crises in the future.
