Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt criticised Pakistan Hockey Federation after troubled Australia tour during which his side didn’t just have to roam the streets for lack of accommodation but also “wash dishes before going to play a match”.
Speaking to reporters at Lahore Airport, early this morning that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had been telling them lies and “enough was enough”.
“We can’t work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match what result do you expect from us?” a livid Butt asked angrily.
Butt said the players faced serious problems during the trip.
He claimed the federation did not properly arrange accommodation for the team. According to him, the players had to wait 13 to 14 hours at Sydney Airport before flying to Canberra.
When the team arrived at their hotel, they were told that no advance payment had been made, so there were no confirmed bookings. The players had to wait for hours and even walk around the streets before a place to stay was arranged. Pakistan lost 2-3 to Australia in their first FIH Pro League match and went on to lose all their matches during the Australia leg, including games against Australia and Germany.
Butt said the situation was embarrassing and affected the team’s performance.
“What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10-days,” Butt said.
The Pakistan Sports Board said it had given more than 10 million rupees to the federation for hotel arrangements. Its Director-General, Noor us Sabah, said a detailed report is being prepared for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has ordered an inquiry into the matter.
The Sharif is the patron-in-chief of the PHF.
Butt also revealed that players were warned not to speak to the media.
“I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia,” he said.
“We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management,” he added.
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