Players speak out as Australia tour exposes Pakistan hockey’s deep crisis

Pakistan’s national hockey scene has reached a boiling point following a chaotic tour of Australia that has exposed deep administrative failures.

The controversy stems from Pakistan’s participation in the FIH Pro League in Australia, where players say they were forced to endure humiliating conditions due to mismanagement by the PHF and team officials.

Reports from the tour detailed that hotel bookings in Sydney and Hobart were mishandled — leaving the squad stranded and staying in substandard guest houses instead of promised five-star hotels, and in some cases having to cook their own meals and wash their clothes.

Upon returning to Lahore, captain Ammad Shakeel Butt openly criticized the federation and team management, stating that the players could not continue under the current administration and urging authorities to act ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next month.