PSB to Investigate PHF Over Unpaid Daily Allowances to National Hockey Team

Pirzada stated that the PSB had fulfilled all financial requests made by the PHF prior to the team’s departure

By DTD- On Jun 22, 2025

Lahore: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has announced an official inquiry into the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding the non-payment of daily allowances to the national men’s hockey team currently touring Malaysia. This decision was confirmed by PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada during a media briefing on Friday.

Pirzada stated that the PSB had fulfilled all financial requests made by the PHF prior to the team’s departure, including funding for airfare and increased baggage allowances—totaling approximately PKR 9 million. “We provided tickets to the hockey team. The federation had requested an increase in baggage allowance, which was approved,” he said. “Whatever the Hockey Federation asked for was given to them.”

He further revealed that PHF had assured the PSB in writing that it possessed sufficient funds to manage player-related expenses. “PHF has written to us that it has ample funds. It is PHF’s shortcoming that the players did not get daily allowances,” Pirzada emphasized. The PSB will now formally question the PHF about why the national players have not yet received their dues.

The controversy gained public attention after team captain Ammad Butt voiced his concerns in a press conference on Thursday. Expressing frustration over the lack of financial support, Butt questioned whether any political or business leaders genuinely care about Pakistan’s national sport. “Businessmen spend crores on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there’s no budget,” he lamented.

Sources close to the team disclosed that the players have been in Malaysia for over 10 days without receiving the agreed daily allowance of PKR 30,000 per day. Additionally, the PHF has yet to clear outstanding payments for two recent training camps. Players had even requested partial payments before their departure to cover basic expenses, but their appeals went unanswered.

This latest development highlights the ongoing neglect faced by Pakistan’s hockey players, once symbols of national pride. The PSB’s decision to probe the PHF aims to address the growing discontent and ensure financial accountability within the federation.