Pakistan hockey captain Amad Shakeel Butt was banned by the national federation after publicly criticising its handling of a troubled FIH Pro League tour of Australia in which players said they were left without proper accommodation and forced to wash dishes before matches.
On Friday, the ban was lifted after Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani was newly appointed interim president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). “I assure stakeholders of our commitment to revive and strengthen hockey in Pakistan,” he said.
A week of controversy had plunged Pakistan into fresh turmoil before the FIH World Cup qualifiers in Egypt following more mismanagement claims.
The row erupted after Pakistan’s Pro League matches in Australia, where players alleged they were left at Sydney Airport for half a day, then left scrambling for lodgings and out on the streets after their hotel accomodation had allegedly failed to be confirmed or paid for.
Butt said the squad had been forced to clean the kitchen of their cramped quarters and wash plates before matches. Unsurprisingly they lost all four of their Pro League matches.
“It is painful that players representing the country have to face such humiliation,” Butt told reporters. “We were not given proper accommodation. We had to manage on our own.
“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 senior PHF official said the federation was “looking into disciplinary matters” related to the captain’s statements but declined to confirm a formal ban.
“The federation has its procedures,” the official said. “Players are expected to raise concerns through appropriate channels. Public statements that damage the image of Pakistan hockey are not helpful.”
The alleged ban came as PHF President Tariq Bugti resigned amid the fallout, according to Pakistani media reports, adding to instability in a federation that has struggled with funding shortages and administrative disputes for years.
Butt’s remarks struck a chord with many supporters, who expressed outrage on social media at the reported treatment of the team in Australia. Some called for sweeping reforms within the PHF, while others questioned how a national side could be left without basic logistical arrangements during an international tour.
In one interview, Butt said the situation had left players demoralised. “We are trying to revive Pakistan hockey, but how can we focus on performance when we are worried about where we will stay?” he said.
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According to Pakistani media, federation officials have disputed aspects of the players’ claims, saying arrangements were made within limited resources. One official was quoted as saying that the team’s stay in Australia was “modest but adequate”.
Olympian Hassan Sardar, now involved in domestic hockey administration, said the episode was damaging but not irreparable.
“We have to sit together and resolve these matters,” he told local television. “Banning a captain before important qualifiers is not the solution. We need stability and support for the players.”
To compound matters, Pakistan dangerman Hanan Shahid picked up a hamstring injury in Australia.
The sport has, however, found support in interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief. He said on Thursday that Pakistan cricket would try to help players.
“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi said.
