LAHORE: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has announced it will formally question the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding the unpaid daily allowances of the national men’s hockey team, currently competing in the FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Addressing the media on Friday, PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada expressed disappointment over the issue, stating that the Board had fulfilled all financial requests made by the federation. “We provided tickets, approved increased baggage allowances, and allocated approximately PKR 9 million to PHF for the team’s travel,” Pirzada said.
He further added that the PHF had submitted written confirmation to PSB claiming it had “ample funds”, effectively placing the responsibility for the unpaid player stipends on the federation. “We will ask PHF why they have not given daily allowances to the players yet,” Pirzada stated.
The controversy came to light after Pakistan team captain Ammad Butt publicly criticised the authorities on Thursday, questioning the lack of institutional support for the sport. In an impassioned appeal, Butt said, “Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?” and lamented the lack of financial backing for a sport that once brought Olympic glory to the nation.
According to sources, players have been in Malaysia for over 10 days without receiving their daily allowances, reportedly fixed at PKR 30,000 per day. The issue is further compounded by outstanding payments for two domestic training camps. Players had reportedly requested partial payments before departing but received no response.
As Pakistan prepares for the FIH Nations Cup final, the players’ off-field concerns highlight continuing financial and administrative challenges that continue to plague the country’s national sport.
Pakistan will be playing for a spot in the FIH Men’s Pro League against New Zealand in the final. The Blacksticks won a penalty shootout of their own, beating Korea despite a strong comeback thanks to the impressive Korean penalty corner battery. The 3rd/4th place play-off will be a repeat of the incredible Day 1 game that finished 6-5 between France and Korea.
