Pakistan hockey controversy: Seeing the condition of Pakistan hockey team, one feels both laughter and pity. The team that went to Australia to play in the second phase of FIH Pro League lost every match and did not open its account of victory. But the real fun started after the return. Players are claiming that they had to wash utensils and clean toilets.
The players of the team are complaining that they did not get a hotel, they had to cook their own food, the daily allowance was given only 40 dollars, whereas according to the rules it should have been 100 dollars. Meaning, we went to play against the world’s top teams, but the accommodation and food arrangements were as if we had gone on a school tour. Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have accused each other. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken cognizance of this matter and ordered an immediate investigation.
players had to wash utensils
Pakistan hockey team captain Shakeel Ammad Butt claimed in the statement that the team was not given a hotel, they were left on the road. While talking to the media at Lahore Airport, Butt clearly said that when players clean the kitchen and wash utensils before playing a match, what would you expect from them? He says that before playing the match, the players had to wash utensils and wander on the streets for several hours.
Now PHF and PSB are slinging mud at each other. Speaking to Pakistani media, PHF Chairman Tariq Hussain Bugti said that all the logistical and financial arrangements including hotel booking, air travel, TA/DA and visas are the responsibility of PSB.
At the same time, a PSB official refuted this and said that sufficient funds were available with the team management, and the players were also given US $ 1,650 per player. “If funds were available, then why were the hotel arrangements so poor? There were also no proper cooking arrangements, due to which the players had to cook their own food,” he said.
Prime Minister ordered investigation
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into this entire matter. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was said that the Prime Minister has taken cognizance of the report of mismanagement in hockey matters, investigation is underway. Immediate action will be taken against the culprits.
Sports Minister Rana Sanaullah has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The names of the members of the inquiry committee have not been announced yet. He expressed serious concern and said that PHF’s actions tarnished the image of the country and the game. Such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.