‘Only PKR 1,000 a Day’: Pakistan Hockey Players Protest PHF Decision

Pakistan’s national hockey players have strongly criticized the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) over a sharp reduction in their daily training camp allowance ahead of major international tournaments. The controversy has once again highlighted the financial struggles faced by hockey players in Pakistan, a country with a proud hockey history but ongoing administrative and funding issues. According to reports, the PHF’s interim management recently announced that players and officials would receive a daily allowance of USD 110 during overseas tours, including international events and qualifiers. However, the players are upset because their allowance during domestic training camps has reportedly been reduced from around PKR 3,000 (USD 11) per day to just PKR 1,000 (USD 3.5). Several players expressed disappointment and frustration over the decision. One senior player, speaking anonymously, said the amount offered during the camp was “an insult” to national players representing the country at the highest level. The players also questioned whether the federation would actually fulfill its promise of paying USD 110 during foreign tours, pointing out that similar promises had allegedly been made in the past but were not honored. Sources close to the PHF revealed that senior members of the squad had approached federation officials seeking clarification about the allowances and payment structure before upcoming international assignments. The uncertainty has reportedly created dissatisfaction within the camp at a crucial stage of preparation. The issue surfaced shortly after Pakistan announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches scheduled to be held in Belgium and England next month. Interestingly, the Pakistan Hockey Federation did not name a captain for the squad, a move that reportedly surprised several players. Shakeel Ammad Butt had been leading the national side since early last year, and some players were unhappy with the federation’s silence on the captaincy matter. Pakistan will compete in the third stage of the FIH Pro League from June 13 to June 27, facing strong teams including Belgium, Spain, England, and traditional rivals India. After the Pro League matches, the team will continue preparations for the FIH Hockey World Cup. The latest controversy has once again exposed the administrative challenges and financial instability surrounding Pakistan hockey, raising concerns about player morale ahead of important international competitions.