ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday found mismanagement and irregularities in the backdrop of the men’s national hockey team’s tour to Australia for the FIH Pro League, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) confirmed.
The move follows videos on social media showing players in substandard accommodation during their recent tour of Australia.
According to the PSB, the federal government has opened a formal investigation into the matter and ordered authorities to determine those responsible for the alleged administrative failures, adding that those found guilty would be subject to strict measures.
PSB said the incident was taken seriously at the highest level, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordering an immediate review of the arrangements made for the team participating in the FIH Pro League.
Besides, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah also ordered an investigation into alleged mismanagement of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), saying administrative lapses had not only affected the players but also damaged the country’s sporting reputation.
“The mismanagement has not only affected the players but has also damaged the reputation of the sport and the country. Those responsible for hockey’s disgrace will in no way be spared,” Sanaullah said.
“We will ensure a transparent investigation and strict action against anyone involved in administrative negligence. No one will be allowed to bring the game into disrepute.”
The issue came to light after videos surfaced on social media showing domestic hockey players receiving substandard accommodation during the Pro League stage in Australia.
Sources said the players were busy packing their belongings ahead of the 10am start.
The PHF had initially paid for seven days of accommodation in Hobart, but the team was housed for more than an hour and a half outside the city in facilities described as minimal.
The players would have had to endure these conditions due to logistical challenges during the tour.
With the help of the local community, team management eventually arranged alternative accommodation and meals.
While the initial hotel reservations were canceled for non-payment, rooms were later reserved through an online platform, but with four to five players sharing each room and the reservations not covering the full length of stay.
The tour results added to the disappointment, as the national team remained winless during the Australian leg of the FIH Pro League. Pakistan suffered defeats in all four matches, losing 3-2 and 3-0 to Australia, and 5-2 and 6-1 to Germany.
Looking ahead, Pakistan are scheduled to face Belgium on June 13 and Spain on June 14, followed by rematches against Belgium and Spain on June 20.
The team will then face arch-rivals India on June 23 and England on June 24, with second encounters against India and England scheduled for June 26 and 27 respectively.
