Lahore, June 20, 2025: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has announced it will formally question the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding unpaid daily allowances for the national men’s hockey team, currently participating in the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia.
PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada told reporters on Friday that the board had fulfilled all financial requests made by the PHF, including increased baggage allowances and flight tickets, amounting to approximately Rs9 million.
“We provided tickets to the team and approved their request for enhanced baggage allowance,” Pirzada said. “Whatever the Hockey Federation asked for was given. PSB released all the requested funds.”
He further revealed that the PHF had informed the PSB in writing that it had sufficient funds available. “If players are still unpaid, it’s the PHF’s failure. We will ask them why they haven’t provided daily allowances to the players yet,” Pirzada asserted.
The issue gained public attention after Pakistan team captain Ammad Butt spoke out during a press interaction on Thursday. He criticized authorities for their persistent neglect of the sport and highlighted the lack of financial support for players.
“Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?” Butt questioned emotionally. “Politicians and ministers remain indifferent, while businessmen spend crores on cricket leagues. But for hockey, there’s no budget.”
According to sources, the players have been in Malaysia for over 10 days and have not received their daily allowances, reportedly set at Rs30,000 per player per day. The controversy also extends to unpaid dues from two previous training camps. Players had even requested partial payments before departing for Malaysia to meet basic expenses, but the request went unanswered.
The PSB’s decision to investigate the matter underscores growing concerns over the management of hockey, Pakistan’s once-celebrated national sport. The PHF has not yet issued an official response to the PSB’s statement or the players’ grievances.
