PM Shehbaz orders probe into Hockey team’s Australia tour mismanagement after accommodation row

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of alleged mismanagement during Pakistan’s national men’s hockey team tour to Australia for the FIH Pro League, directing authorities to conduct a formal inquiry and fix responsibility on those involved, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) announced on Tuesday.

According to the PSB, the federal government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the administrative lapses that reportedly marred the team’s arrangements during the Australian leg of the FIH Pro League. The prime minister has ordered immediate scrutiny of the planning and logistics handled for the squad, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence.

The controversy surfaced after videos circulated on social media showing national players being accommodated in what were described as substandard facilities. Sources revealed that the team was preparing to check out at 10:00 AM after facing uncertainty over their lodging arrangements.

Although the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had reportedly paid for seven days of accommodation in Hobart, the squad was housed more than an hour and a half outside the city in minimal facilities. Initial hotel bookings were allegedly cancelled due to non-payment issues, forcing team management to secure rooms through an online platform at short notice. Even then, four to five players were said to be sharing a single room, and the bookings did not cover the entire duration of the stay.

Logistical complications during the tour further compounded the situation, with players reportedly enduring difficult conditions before alternative accommodation and meals were arranged with the assistance of members of the local community.

Taking strong exception to the episode, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah also ordered a separate inquiry into the alleged administrative failures of the PHF. He said the mismanagement had not only affected the morale and well-being of the players but had also damaged the country’s sporting image.

“Mismanagement has not only affected the players but has also damaged the reputation of the sport and the country. Those responsible for disgracing hockey will not be spared under any circumstances,” he stated, vowing a transparent investigation and strict accountability.

The off-field turmoil coincided with a disappointing run on the pitch. Pakistan endured a winless campaign in the Australian leg of the Pro League, suffering four consecutive defeats — 3-2 and 3-0 against Australia, followed by 5-2 and 6-1 losses to Germany.

Despite the setback, the national side will look to regroup in the upcoming fixtures. Pakistan are scheduled to face Belgium on June 13 and Spain on June 14, before rematches against the same opponents on June 20. The Green Shirts will then take on arch-rivals India on June 23 and England on June 24, with return encounters against India and England slated for June 26 and 27, respectively.

The government’s swift intervention signals growing concern at the highest level over the state of hockey administration in the country, with officials pledging that institutional accountability will be ensured to safeguard the dignity of Pakistan’s national sport.