Pakistan Sports Board Publishes Proof of Payment Amid National Hockey Controversy

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has confirmed that it provided the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) with more than Rs. 10 million to cover hotel accommodation for the national team during its tour of Australia. A cheque worth Rs. 10.5 million was issued on January 28, and the board shared a photocopy to show that it had met its obligations, including payments for air tickets, hotel accommodation, and daily allowances.

The government also approved a special grant of over Rs. 30 million to cover all expenses related to the FIH Pro League campaign. This confirmation comes after reports surfaced alleging that the team faced serious accommodation challenges during its stay in Australia.

According to these reports, the players reportedly waited 13 to 14 hours at Sydney Airport without arranged accommodation or meals before their onward flight to Canberra. Upon arrival at a designated four-star hotel, they were informed that no booking existed under their names, allegedly due to unpaid bills by the PHF. The team then waited outside the hotel for several hours, and members of the Pakistani community in Canberra arranged low-cost Airbnb accommodation. A viral video later showed players in cramped quarters on the outskirts of Hobart, sharing small rooms with limited amenities.

Despite these claims, the PHF denied that the team faced any difficulties, calling the coverage an attempt to demoralize the players.