'Request Army chief ...': Asim Munir dragged into Pak hockey team's Sydney ordeal, captain says team 'mentally tortured'

Pakistan’s hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt has criticised the national federation and requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir to take notice of the situation as soon as possible.

Pakistan is once again facing embarrassment on the global stage in the sports arena, this time not cricket but hockey, the game in which they once won eight Olympic medals.

He also admitted that he “lied on video” during the Australia tour, saying he was pressured by team management to claim everything was fine.

Also read: 'Players wash dishes before playing, wander streets': Captain’s fury exposes Pakistan hockey rot, PM orders probe

“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 Shakeel Ammad Butt asked angrily.

Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt criticised 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 “wash dishes before playing a match."

“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. He also revealed that players were warned of disciplinary action if they spoke publicly about the situation.

“I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia,” he said, making it clear that silence was no longer an option.

Looking ahead, the captain argued that survival, let alone progress, would require outside help.

“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,” Butt said.

As public outrage grew, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the alleged mismanagement.

What’s the matter?

The controversy erupted after Pakistan captain Shakeel Ammad Butt openly criticised the Pakistan Hockey Federation upon the team’s return, speaking to reporters at Lahore Airport. His account painted a grim picture of neglect and deception.

According to him, the problems began even before the team reached the hockey venue. Players were made to wait for 13 to 14 hours at Sydney airport before boarding their onward flight to Canberra. The real shock came on arrival, when the team discovered that no hotel rooms had been secured.

No rooms, no payments, plenty of excuses

The situation worsened when hotel staff informed the team that there were no bookings because no advance payment had been made. Left stranded, the players reportedly roamed the streets for hours until alternative accommodation was arranged.

Adding to the embarrassment, the team had to play its first FIH Pro League match against Australia the very next afternoon, a game Pakistan lost 2-3. The tour ended without a single win, with defeats against both Australia and Germany.

Funds given, accountability missing

The Pakistan Sports Board confirmed that it had released more than 10 million rupees to the PHF specifically to cover hotel accommodation for the tour. Where that money went is now at the heart of the inquiry ordered by the Prime Minister.

PSB Director-General Noor us Sabah told the media that a detailed report was being prepared for Sharif, and that immediate action could be taken once responsibility is fixed.

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