‘Stay on the road, wash utensils…’, Pakistan team captain turned red with anger, video went viral

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 20, 2026

New Delhi: Pakistan hockey team captain Shakeel Ammad Butt burst out in anger while talking to the media at Lahore airport. He made serious allegations against Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) that the team faced very bad conditions during the tour of Australia. The players had to wash utensils and clean the kitchen before the match. This video is becoming increasingly viral on social media.

Shameful start to Australia tour

When the team reached Australia, it had to wait for 13-14 hours at Sydney Airport. Hotel booking in Canberra was not done because PHF did not make the payment on time. The players kept wandering on the streets. Lost to Australia 2-3 the next day of the match. There were defeats from both Australia and Germany in the entire tour.

Washing dishes and cleaning burden

Captain Butt said that due to lack of hotel arrangements, the players had to cook, wash utensils and clean themselves. Even before playing a match, utensils had to be washed for 2-3 hours. Butt said, "When players clean the kitchen and wash utensils before the match, how can we expect good results from them?" He called it completely unacceptable.

Airbnb only for 10 days, tour for 13 days Cabot revealed that the team’s Airbnb was booked for only 10 days, while the tour was for 13 days. Later we had to shift to a cheaper and worse place. The federation hid the truth from the players and even warned them against talking to the media. Butt said, "Enough is enough… we can’t play with this management."

Captain Imad Butt says Pakistan’s hockey team was left stranded for 13 hours at Sydney Airport during their Australia tour, no reception, no coordination, players filming their own ordeal, even washing their own utensils.
National team. International tour. Zero protocol. Only… pic.twitter.com/JBXpUp0QSK
— Bhairav Force (OSint) (@BhairavForce) February 18, 2026

Rs 10 million released

The Pakistan Sports Board confirmed that PHF was given more than Rs 10 million for hotel and other expenses. Board Director General Noor Us Saba said that the complete report will be submitted to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is the Patron-in-Chief of PHF, has ordered an investigation.

demand for foreign coach

Captain Butt demanded that to take Pakistan hockey forward, foreign coaches and better management are needed. He said that there are talented players in the team, but without right direction and professional approach, success is difficult.

Pakistan Hockey, which was once the world champion, is today struggling with administrative shortcomings and lack of funds. This open anger of the players raises the question not just of the defeat but of the accountability of the system. Now, it remains to be seen what steps are taken after the investigation.