Pakistan hockey team has returned from a controversial tour of Australia, where they had to roam the streets due to a lack of accommodation. Now, captain Shakeel Ammad Butt has made explosive disclosures, stating that they were forced to “wash dishes before going to play a match.” He has taken aim at the national federation and declared that “enough was enough,” charging that the body had been peddling lies. The statements were made before the media at the Lahore Airport on 18th February (Wednesday).
“We can’t work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match what result do you expect from us,” he questioned after landing at the airport from Australia. Butt asserted that the players were exposed to situations that no professional athlete should have to go through, verifying that the alarming stories coming out of Australia were completely true.
He reported that the players were made to perform menial tasks before going to the field, such as scrubbing restrooms, cleaning kitchens, washing dishes and doing laundry. “These are the boys who work strenuously for the sake of their country. How can restrictions be imposed upon them? And, how can they play after cleaning toilets and washing dishes,” he lashed out.
Butt accused that the players were transformed into “mental patients” because of the management and informed that they were provided only $115 to pay for three meals. “The federation asked every player separately if they are with the federation or the captain. We were told not to speak to the media or face a ban. I do not accept the PHF’s code of conduct. I am under no pressure. We know the wrongs committed against us,” he added.
He further stressed, “I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia. We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management.”
The country’s hockey team had to wait at the Sydney airport for 13 or 14 hours before their trip to Canberra. Its hotel check-in prior to the FIH Pro League matches sparked more alarming rumours. The players were told that since the hotel management had not received any advance payment, they had no reservations.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) came under heavy fire after the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) acknowledged that it had paid them over 10 million rupees to book the national team’s hotel in Australia. “The PSB had arranged and paid for hotel bookings in Australia, which were later cancelled by the PHF. The team management lied to us. If basic facilities like food and accommodation are not up to standard, performance will inevitably suffer,” expressed PSB Director General Noorish Sabah.
The players strolled the streets and waited for hours before they were given accommodations. They had to play their first game against Australia the following afternoon and lost 2-3. Pakistan was then defeated by both Germany and the hosts in every match during the tournament.
Butt revealed, “What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10-days.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who also serves as the patron-in-chief of the PHF, has sought an investigation into the entire mess after which PSB Director-General Noor Us Sabah briefed the media that they were putting together a comprehensive report for him. The PHF has summoned the players and management for an emergency consultation to assess the complaints and address the team’s logistical problems prior to implementing any disciplinary or administrative measures.
