Lahore, July 19, 2025: Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt on Saturday clarified that senior players have not yet made a final decision on launching a protest against the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) over unpaid dues.
Speaking to media, Butt acknowledged growing dissatisfaction among the players over the non-payment of allowances, but emphasized that no formal decision has been taken regarding a rebellion.
“There are rumours about a players’ revolt, but nothing is finalised yet. Whenever a decision is made, we will inform the media,” Butt stated.
The speculation surfaced after a private audio conversation among national players was leaked online. In the recording, players expressed anger and disappointment over what they called “dishonesty and negligence” by the PHF, accusing the federation of repeatedly failing to fulfill its financial commitments and now ignoring their messages altogether.
“The federation has always kept us in the dark. Now they don’t even bother replying. This is unacceptable,” one player was heard saying. “We’ve been given false assurances about daily allowances again and again. None of the promises have been kept,” another added. In the leaked discussion, Butt assured his teammates that he would raise the matter with officials and push for a resolution.
“The players have been treated unfairly, and I will bring everything to light,” he said. Following the leak, Butt revealed that PHF officials are considering disciplinary action against him, but insisted he stands by his words. “I’ve heard that the federation may take action against me, but nothing has been done so far,” he said.
“I stick to what I said in the audio — the players deserve what was promised. If needed, I will speak out again.”
The financial dispute comes despite the team’s impressive performance, including a silver medal at the Nations Hockey Cup in Malaysia. However, players have yet to receive their international daily allowances, which reportedly amount to around PKR 500,000 per player.
Sources claim that the PHF failed to pay allowances for the FIH Nations Cup as well as for training camps held in two phases in Islamabad. Players are entitled to PKR 30,000 per day for international duty and PKR 3,000 per day for domestic engagements.
With no official response from the PHF and growing frustration among players, the situation continues to deteriorate, raising concerns over the federation’s handling of national talent and the sport’s future in Pakistan.
