Pakistan hockey players face financial crisis over daily allowance dispute

Pakistan’s national hockey players are facing serious financial difficulties and growing uncertainty due to a dispute over the payment of daily allowances, raising fears of a possible boycott of the national training camp.

According to sources, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has stated that daily allowances are being paid strictly in line with its policy, under which players receive 40 US dollars per day, an amount that roughly converts to PKR 11,000. However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) traditionally pays PKR 30,000 per day to players during international tours.

The players had demanded that they be paid PKR 30,000 instead of the 40-dollar allowance, arguing that the reduced amount is insufficient to cover their expenses. In protest, the players had initially decided not to report to the camp, but later agreed after the PHF assured them that the issue would be resolved with the PSB.

Sources further revealed that national hockey players recently met PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada to discuss the issue. During the meeting, players raised concerns about the reduced daily allowance and claimed that the PHF had formally written to the PSB regarding the matter. However, Yasir Pirzada reportedly told the players that he had no knowledge of any such letter.

During the discussion, the PSB DG maintained that all expenses are being borne by the board from its own resources, while government funds are still awaited. He added that daily allowances have been paid strictly according to PSB policy. The PSB’s stance remains that the PHF should pay allowances according to its own policy, while the board will continue payments as per its regulations.

Following the meeting, sources say the national players, already under financial strain, were left more worried and frustrated. It has also emerged that several players had to borrow money to reach Islamabad to attend the Pro League training camp.

The players have appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest. Sources warn that if their legitimate demands are not accepted, the players may announce an extreme reaction, including a boycott of the camp.

At present, the national hockey players are in Islamabad for a training camp aimed at preparations for the Pro League and the World Cup qualifiers. The players are also considering holding a press conference to present the facts and bring the issue before the public.