Pakistan Hockey Captain Amad Butt refuses to work with current management after Australia tour nightmare

LAHORE: Pakistan national hockey team captain Amad Butt has made explosive revelations about the team’s treatment during their recent tour of Australia, announcing that he is unwilling to continue working with the current management following what he described as severe mismanagement and humiliation.

Speaking to media upon the team’s return after their World Cup qualifying round exit, Butt alleged that players were forced to clean kitchens, wash dishes, do laundry and scrub bathrooms during their stay in Australia. He further claimed that the team had to cook their own meals and, at times, were left stranded on the streets.

“What kind of game will a player produce after waking up in the morning to clean the kitchen and wash dishes?” Butt questioned. “The injustices we faced are known to us. We were told that players would manage three meals a day within 115 dollars.”

The captain accused the team management of misleading the players and stated categorically that he could not work under the current setup. He also rejected the code of conduct imposed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), demanding that authorities take notice of the alleged mistreatment of players.

Butt stressed the urgent need for a foreign coach to rebuild the struggling side and improve professional standards. He added that he was under no pressure while speaking out, despite claims that players were warned against discussing internal matters publicly or risk facing bans.

Other team members echoed similar concerns, saying that morale had collapsed during the Australia tour due to the circumstances they endured.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Noor-ul-Sabah, stated that hotel bookings had been arranged in Australia but were later cancelled by the PHF. She placed responsibility squarely on the federation, saying the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

The DG added that a detailed inquiry report would be submitted to Shehbaz Sharif, who has already taken notice of the alleged mismanagement.

The controversy has once again raised serious questions about the administration of Pakistan hockey, with calls growing for accountability and structural reforms to restore the country’s former glory in the sport.