'Forced To Lie', Pakistan Hockey Captain Reveals Players Cleaned Toilets: 'Dimaagi Mareez...'

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 19:43 IST

Ammad Shakeel Butt accuses Pakistan Hockey Federation of mismanagement during Hobart tour, citing poor conditions and mental distress.

Pakistan men’s hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has made serious allegations against the team management and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for mismanagement and causing mental distress to players during their tour to Australia for the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Hobart leg.

Reports indicate that the Pakistani hockey players were left to fend for themselves due to the PHF’s failure to pay for their accommodation in Australia. Speaking at a press conference at Lahore Airport, Butt confirmed these reports, stating that the players endured conditions unfit for professional athletes. He questioned how players could perform well “after cleaning toilets and washing kitchenware." Butt also claimed that players had to wash their own clothes and clean washrooms before playing.

According to Geo News, Butt said, “These are the boys who work strenuously for the sake of their country. How can restrictions be imposed upon them? And, how can they play after cleaning toilets and washing kitchenware?"

Butt further alleged that the team management stressed the players by telling them they had to cover their food and nutrition needs with just 115 dollars.

Captain Or Federation Choice To Players

He also accused the management of attempting to create a rift within the team by asking players to choose between supporting the captain or the federation.

“The federation asked every player separately if they are with the federation or the captain," he revealed.

“We were told not to speak to the media or face a ban. I do not accept the PHF’s code of conduct. I am under no pressure," he said.

“We know the wrongs committed against us," he added.

Noorish Sabah, the Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), who was present at the airport to receive the players, confirmed that the PSB had initially arranged and paid for hotel bookings in Australia, which were later cancelled by the PHF. She stated, “The team management lied to us. If food and accommodation are not up to standard, performance will inevitably suffer."

Noorish also mentioned that the PSB had taken sufficient steps to provide facilities for the players, and that the PHF was responsible for the hardships faced by the players. She assured that a comprehensive inquiry report would be submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting that such treatment of national athletes is unacceptable. She urged higher authorities to take notice of the injustices against the players.

Despite the negative circumstances surrounding the tour, Butt expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform well in this year’s World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. However, he emphasized the need for a foreign coach to guide the team back on track.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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