National hockey players protest against PHF over non-payment of dues

LAHORE – Growing frustration over unpaid dues on Wednesday sparked unrest within Pakistan’s national hockey team as THE players expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) continued neglect.

The sources close to the team revealed that the players lost patience with the federation’s failure to fulfill financial commitments and are now openly voicing their concerns. Discussions among the players have intensified, with both senior members and the captain expressing alarm over their uncertain future and the lack of transparency from the PHF.

The players alleged that the federation repeatedly made false promises and kept them in the dark.

“We’ve constantly been misled. The PHF has stopped even responding to us, which is unacceptable,” players reportedly said during internal discussions.

“We were assured of daily allowances multiple times but no action was ever taken. It’s time we find someone who actually listens and answers us,”.

Amid the growing unrest, team captain Imad Butt has stepped forward, pledging to bring the players’ concerns to light and ensure their issues are addressed.

“The players have faced repeated injustices, and I will not stay silent. These matters need to be resolved seriously and transparently,” he added.

Earlier, Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt had 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.