Pakistan Hockey Captain Shakeel Ammad Butt Blasts PHF After Team’s “Humiliating” Australia Tour Ordeal
Humiliation Abroad: Pakistan Players Forced to Wait on Streets Carrying Kitchen Utensils: The captain of the Pakistan national hockey team, Shakeel Ammad Butt, has publicly criticized the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following what he described as a humiliating and poorly managed tour of Australia.
Speaking to reporters at Lahore airport on Wednesday, Butt did not hide his frustration. According to him, players were left stranded, without confirmed hotel bookings, and even had to help clean kitchens and wash dishes before matches.
“We cannot work with the current management of the federation,” Butt said angrily. “What do you expect from us when the players have to clean the kitchen and wash the dishes before going to play a match?”
Long Waits and No Hotel Bookings
The team’s troubles began during their travel. Players reportedly had to wait 13 to 14 hours at Sydney Airport before catching a connecting flight to Canberra. But the bigger shock came upon arrival at their hotel, where they were told no booking had been confirmed because no advance payment had been made.
Left without accommodation, the players waited for hours and wandered the streets before temporary arrangements were made. The very next afternoon, Pakistan faced Australia in their opening match of the FIH Pro League — a game they narrowly lost 3–2.
Pakistan went on to lose all their matches during the Australia leg, including games against the hosts and Germany.
Airbnb Stay Cut Short
Butt revealed that an Airbnb had been arranged for only 10 days, despite the tour lasting 13 days. After that period, the team was reportedly forced to move to cheaper accommodation.
“The worst part was that the arrangements didn’t even cover our full stay,” Butt said. “We had to shift houses before the tour even ended.”
Funds Already Released
The controversy deepened when the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) confirmed it had released over 10 million rupees to cover hotel expenses for the tour.
PSB Director-General Noor Us Saba said a detailed report is being prepared after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a formal investigation into the matter.
Players Allegedly Warned to Stay Silent
Butt also claimed that players were warned of disciplinary action if they spoke publicly about the ordeal.
“I’m speaking out because of what we’ve been through,” he said. Despite the chaos, Butt expressed belief in the team’s potential but stressed the urgent need for structural changes. “We have a good combination of players,” he added. “But if we want to move forward, we need a foreign coach and better management.”
As the investigation unfolds, questions are mounting over accountability within Pakistan hockey’s governing body — and whether meaningful reforms will follow.
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