LAHORE: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have locked horns over alleged mismanagement during the national team’s participation in the second leg of the FIH Pro League in Hobart, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order an immediate inquiry.
The national side returned to Lahore late Tuesday after enduring defeats in all their matches against Germany and hosts Australia, capping a winless run across both legs of the tournament.
Reports pointed to significant shortcomings in arrangements in Hobart, particularly delayed and inadequate accommodation, which reportedly disrupted players’ preparations and morale.
PHF president Tariq Hussain Bugti said logistical and financial responsibilities — including hotel bookings, travel, allowances and visa processing — were assigned to the PSB. He referred to directions issued by the Senate Standing Committee on Sports, which designated the PSB as the authority overseeing financial matters for the team’s Pro League campaign.
“The PHF has complied with the committee’s decision and is not interfering in financial affairs,” Bugti said, stressing that the federation’s focus was on ensuring the team’s participation in a competition offering exposure against top-ranked sides.
However, PSB official Rana Nasrullah rejected the claims, stating that adequate funds had been provided to the team management, with each player reportedly carrying $1,650.
“If funds were available, how did accommodation arrangements fall short? There was also no proper cooking facility, and players had to manage meals themselves,” he said.
Bugti responded that a comprehensive account would be available once the team settled in Lahore.
Both the PHF and PSB welcomed the prime minister’s decision to initiate an inquiry. Federal Sports Minister Rana Sanaullah has formed a committee to investigate the matter.
Bugti termed the probe a positive development, pledging full cooperation from the PHF.
Sources also revealed that accommodation dues amounting to $3,750 from the first leg in Argentina are still unpaid.
Earlier, amid financial controversy surrounding the PHF, the prime minister had approved Rs250 million to facilitate Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League, with the PSB tasked as custodian of the funds.
According to reports, although the PSB arranged the hotel booking, payment complications surfaced later. A PHF official, speaking anonymously, claimed that a Rs10 million cheque was handed to the team management for accommodation upon arrival. By then, hotel rates had increased, resulting in limited and reportedly substandard lodging arrangements, including the use of a guest house and shared rooms.
There are indications that players may hold a press conference in Lahore to present their version of events.
Pakistan captain Emmad Butt had earlier dismissed claims that the team was left without accommodation or stranded. Nonetheless, players have reportedly raised concerns about receiving a daily allowance of $40 from the PSB, compared to the $100 specified under PHF regulations.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif had taken notice of the reported mismanagement and ordered inquiries, assuring that action would be taken against those found responsible.
Rana Sanaullah expressed serious concern, saying the episode had damaged the country’s and the sport’s reputation. He warned that negligence and misconduct would not be tolerated and that strict measures would follow the inquiry’s findings.
However, observers have questioned the impartiality of a probe conducted solely by the PSB or ministry officials, suggesting that an independent body would ensure greater transparency and credibility.