The national team captain and players held an emergency press conference at the airport on their return to Pakistan, publicly raising serious concerns about the handling of the Pakistan hockey programme. They described unacceptable accommodation, inadequate food and the absence of basic facilities during the tour, and said these conditions affected their preparation and wellbeing.
Players also highlighted discrepancies in financial matters, noting that the Pakistan Sports Board had reported funds were released while the Pakistan Hockey Federation presented a different position. This contradiction has deepened suspicion over transparency in the release and use of funds for the tour.
Imad Shakeel Butt announced that the squad will refuse to work with the current team management, coaching staff, manager, administrative personnel and video analyst until a full and transparent investigation is completed. The players said their confidence in the existing administrative setup has been severely shaken and that they cannot continue under the present structure.
The team urged the immediate imposition of an ad hoc setup within the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the formation of an independent and impartial inquiry committee. They demanded a complete audit of released funds and their expenditure, with those responsible identified and proceeded against in accordance with the law.
Players described the move as a courageous step taken despite potential pressure and personal consequences, motivated by a desire to protect Pakistan hockey as a matter of national pride. They insisted on a clear, accountable system for future foreign tours to prevent a repeat of the problems they outlined.
The squad called for immediate reforms to restore trust and put Pakistan hockey back on a path to revival, stressing that the integrity of the sport must come before personal interests or mismanagement.
