EXCLUSIVE | “Is Anyone Listening?” – Pak Hockey Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt Pleads for Support Amid Unpaid Dues

Shahid Hashmi
19 Jun 2025
23:00

Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has issued an emotional plea for support and attention, revealing that players have not received their promised daily allowances during the ongoing FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia.

SPEAKING HIS MIND: Ammad Shakeel Butt
SPEAKING HIS MIND: Ammad Shakeel Butt

Speaking to Telecomasia.net, Butt said, “Is there anyone in Pakistan who can understand and address our grievances? Pakistan hockey is fighting for its survival, but does any politician or government official care?”

Sources confirmed that the national team has not been paid the agreed daily allowance of PKR 30,000 (USD 105) since the tour began ten days ago. In addition, the players have yet to be paid for two recent training camps, where they were supposed to receive just PKR 3,000 per day.

A source speaking to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) relealed
Players are supposed to get 30k PKR after an agreement last year and a meagre amount of PKR 3,000 during training camps — even that payment hasn’t come through. This is a big injustice, but the players are still playing.

Ironically, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti and Secretary Rana Mujahid are currently in Malaysia as well — reportedly on a “joy trip” — each receiving a daily allowance of USD 500.

Earlier this year, Pakistan were not invited to the prestigious Azlan Shah Cup, reportedly due to unpaid dues owed to Malaysian officials from previous events — a further sign of the federation’s mismanagement.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the Nations Cup. They lost 3-4 to New Zealand in their final group match but advanced after edging hosts Malaysia on goals scored (9 to 8) — both teams finishing with four points and a goal difference of zero.

Butt criticised the lack of financial support for hockey in Pakistan, especially in comparison to cricket.

Butt said
Millions are spent on cricket leagues, and ministers shower Olympic gold medallists with rewards, but no one pays attention to hockey. We are vying for the title and have shown progress, but hockey cannot survive without support and funding.

Former Olympian Rehan Butt was even more scathing in his remarks. “The current officials are inept and cannot generate revenue for the game. The government must sack Tariq Bugti and Rana Mujahid immediately,” he demanded. “Appoint someone who can bring in funds — maybe the FBR chairman or someone with financial clout and accountability.”

Once the pride of the nation, Pakistan hockey has fallen into steep decline. The country boasts three Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles, but its last major international title came in 1994.

With the team showing sparks of revival on the field, players and supporters are now hoping someone off the field will finally take notice.

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