LAHORE – Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt declined an invitation to a luncheon hosted by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the sources close to the development said on Tuesday.
Pakistan Sports Board had offered Imad Shakeel a travel allowance of Rs. 5,600 to attend the event in Islamabad. In response, Butt reportedly told the board that the amount wasn’t even enough to cover toll taxes for the trip.
Imad Shakeel Butt, who led Pakistan in the final against New Zealand during the recently held Nations Hockey Cup in Malaysia, politely turned down the PSB’s invitation despite the recognition.
It may be mentioned here that PSB had invited six hockey players to the luncheon, including Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah, Muneebur Rehman, and Hanan Shahid.
The athletes from other sports were also invited to the event, including Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt.
Earlier, Pakistan national hockey team returned home without any official or government representative to welcome them at the airport despite reaching the final of the Nations Hockey Cup after an 11-year gap.
The team arrived in Pakistan from Malaysia on June 22 but neither government officials nor Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) representatives were present at the airport to receive them.
Instead, the players were warmly greeted by their families and loyal fans who showed up to show their support.
Team captain Imad Butt later took to social media, posting a group photo of the squad and sharing an emotional message. “We have not lost — we have won hearts. We have revived hockey,” he wrote.
Reflecting on the team’s journey to the final, Imad added, “Reaching the final after 11 long years is not just a milestone — it’s a message: Pakistan is rising again. This silver medal is not a defeat, it is a symbol of hope and belief.”
Acknowledging the team’s missed opportunity in the final, he wrote, “Yes, the trophy may have slipped from our hands today, but the fire within us is burning brighter than ever. The day is not far when we’ll bring the trophy home,”.
Imad added, “This is the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan hockey. Thank you for your love, unity, and passion. The nation’s prayers and support have pushed us forward. We will fight until the last breath. The journey continues, and the dream lives on. Pakistan Zindabad,”.
No official reception for Pakistan hockey team after nations cup final heroics
