Pakistan Hockey Team’s Captain Refuses Sports Board’s Lunch Invitation

“This amount barely covers the toll expenses,” the national skipper said when asked why he declined the invite.

By DTD- Last updated Jun 24, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has reportedly declined an invitation to a luncheon hosted by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), citing inadequate travel compensation as the reason for skipping the ceremony.

The PSB, in a gesture meant to honour athletes from various disciplines following recent international events, had extended invitations to six members of the national hockey team, including the captain. However, Ammad Butt opted not to attend the gathering in Islamabad, pointing out that the travel allowance offered to him — Rs. 5,600 — barely covered toll expenses, let alone transportation and lodging.

“This amount barely covers the toll expenses,” the national skipper said when asked why he declined the invite.

The PSB luncheon was set up to celebrate Pakistan’s recent sporting achievements, with invitees including other hockey players — Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah, Muneeb ur Rehman, and Hannan Shahid — as well as star athletes such as Arshad Nadeem and Nooh Dastgir Butt.

Ammad Butt’s absence has drawn attention to the ongoing frustrations athletes face when it comes to institutional support and recognition, especially for a team that recently turned heads with its performance in the FIH Nations Cup. Pakistan made a stirring run to the final in Malaysia, reaching the title clash despite unresolved payment issues. However, they were soundly beaten 6-2 by New Zealand in a contest that laid bare the gulf between the top-tier teams and the once-mighty Green Shirts.

Despite the loss, the team’s resurgence — both in terms of energy and performance — was widely praised, with Ammad Butt himself noting that the silver medal symbolised the rebirth of Pakistan hockey.

That context makes the PSB’s gesture seem well-intentioned on the surface — but Ammad Butt’s refusal underlines a disconnect between token appreciation and meaningful support.

With the national hockey team beginning to show signs of life after years in the wilderness, Ammad Butt’s stance sends a strong message to the authorities: symbolic gestures are not enough. If Pakistan hockey is truly to be revived, its athletes will need more than just medals and mentions — they’ll need respect, both on and off the field.