PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Probe Into Mismanagement After Pakistan Hockey Captain Exposes Debacle

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 15:23 IST

PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry after Shakeel Ammad Butt exposed Pakistan Hockey Federation mismanagement during a chaotic Australia tour.

Pakistan 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 has 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."

PSB Director-General Noor us Sabah told the media that they were preparing a detailed report for the Pakistan Prime Minister after he ordered an inquiry into the entire debacle. Sources suggest that immediate action will be taken against those found responsible.

What Is The Controversy?

Shakeel Ammad Butt told the media at Lahore Airport early this 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 Pakistan 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.

“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," he added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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