Captain of Pakistan’s hockey team, Ammad Shakeel Butt, has strongly criticised the team management and the Pakistan Hockey Federation upon his return from Australia, where the national team took part in the second phase of the Pro Hockey League.

Speaking to the media at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, he levelled serious allegations against the management, stating that it would be impossible to compete in the upcoming World Cup qualifying round under the current administration.

The national hockey team suffered defeats in all four matches of the second phase of the Pro Hockey League in Australia.

No representative of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was present to receive the squad upon the team’s arrival, prompting visible frustration among players.

Ammad Butt alleged that during the Australia tour, players were not provided with proper hotel accommodation or proper meals.

At times, he claimed, players were forced to cook their own food and wash their own clothes.

According to the captain, the team was also made to wait on the road for as long as 16 hours, while players’ dues remain unpaid.

He appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief of Army Staff to take immediate notice of the situation to prevent a recurrence of such conditions.

The team management, however, refrained from offering a clear answer on the allegations.

Sources said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the alleged mismanagement in the affairs of the national hockey team and directed that the responsibility be determined.

An official inquiry has reportedly been initiated, and strict action is expected against those found negligent.

Meanwhile, Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah expressed deep concern over the alleged administrative lapses by the PHF during the Australia tour.

He said the management’s actions had not only harmed the country’s image but also damaged the reputation of the national sport, adding that such conduct was unacceptable.

The team’s recent performance and the administrative controversy have triggered fresh debate in sporting circles, with hockey fans now awaiting the outcome of the inquiry and hoping for meaningful reforms to revive the national game.