Wet flour in poverty! Pakistan team was shown the door by a four star hotel, players were seen on the streets for hours for not paying the bill

Pakistan national hockey team had to face great embarrassment in Canberra, Australia. The team that arrived for the second phase of FIH Pro League did not get a place in the hotel because Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) did not pay the bill. The players kept waiting on the road for a long time. This incident clearly shows the poor condition of Pakistani hockey.

Had to wait on the road due to cancellation of booking

Rooms were booked for the team in a four-star hotel. The officials had assured that Pakistan Hockey Federation and Pakistan Sports Board had already made the payment, but as soon as we reached Canberra, the hotel said – no booking, no payment. The players and coaching staff were tired, but could not find any place to rest. Everyone had to wander on the road for hours.

Coach’s efforts failed

Head coach Tahir Zaman tried hard to contact the authorities in Pakistan, but due to time difference and lack of funds, no help was received. After the long flight, the players had neither good food nor sleeping arrangements. Finally, after much pleading, the hotel provided some rooms, but due to shortage of rooms, 2-3 players had to stay in the same room.

Players lost on the field

The next day after this incident, the team had to play a match against Australia. Due to fatigue and mental stress the team lost 2-3. Pakistan has lost all the matches so far in the Pro League. They are continuously lagging behind strong teams like Australia and Germany, but this defeat is not just of the game but also of the system.

Such incidents have happened before also

This is not the first time. Even in the first phase of the Pro League in Argentina, the players did not receive their daily allowance on time. The team has gone on this tour without its regular manager. Former Olympian Anjum Saeed was removed after some controversy. The daily allowance was fixed at US$115, but such incidents raise the question whether just increasing the allowance will solve the problem?

Hockey’s declining reputation

Hockey is the national game of Pakistan. It once ruled the Olympics and World Cup, but today it is struggling with administrative lapses, lack of money and internal conflicts. Local Pakistani people in Canberra helped. Instead of playing well on the field, players are forced to wander on the streets. This incident highlights the deep problem of Pakistani sports system.