PM orders probe after hockey captain's 'wash dishes before match' remark

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hockey Federation, has taken notice of the mismanagement in the sport’s affairs after reports surfaced of the national team’s harrowing tour of Australia.

Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt criticized the national federation following a chaotic tour of Australia.

During the tour, the team not only had to wander the streets due to a lack of accommodation but also “washed dishes before playing a match."

PSB Director-General Noor-us-Sabah told the media that they were preparing a detailed report for the Prime Minister after he ordered an inquiry into the entire debacle.

Shakeel Ammad Butt told the media at Lahore Airport early Wednesday morning that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had been deceiving them and “enough was enough."

“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?" a livid Butt asked angrily.

The PHF has faced severe backlash after the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) confirmed it had provided over 10 million rupees to arrange hotel accommodation for the national team in Australia.

The hockey team had to wait for 13-14 hours at Sydney Airport before their onward flight to Canberra. Things got worse when the team checked into its hotel ahead of the FIH Pro League matches.

The players were informed that they had no bookings since no advance payment had been made to the hotel management.

The players had to wait for hours and roamed the streets before accommodation was arranged for them. The next afternoon, they had to play their first match against Australia, which the team lost 2-3. Pakistan lost all its matches during the Australia leg, against both the hosts and Germany.

“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," Butt said.

Butt revealed that the PHF had warned the players of disciplinary action if they spoke to the media. “I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia," he said.