PHF Accountability Ensured Due to Sufficient Funds: DG PSB

LAHORE: The Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Yasir Pirzada, stated on Friday that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will be held accountable regarding the national men’s hockey team’s pending daily allowances.

Speaking to the media, Pirzada mentioned that the PSB had fulfilled all requests submitted by the PHF. These included an increase in baggage allowance and ticket funds, totaling approximately PKR nine million.

“We provided tickets for the hockey team. The federation had requested that the baggage allowance be increased, and this was approved,” Pirzada stated.

“The Hockey Federation received everything it asked for. We provided them with all necessary funds. The PSB allocated around Rs nine million to the Hockey Federation specifically for tickets,” he added.

The DG PSB further noted that the PHF had informed the Sports Board in writing that they possessed adequate funds. He clarified that the responsibility for the unpaid daily allowances rested with the federation. The PSB intends to question the PHF about the outstanding daily allowances for the national players.

“The PHF has communicated to us in writing that they have sufficient funds. The fact that the players have not received their daily allowances is a shortcoming on the part of the PHF,” Pirzada remarked.

“We will inquire with the PHF as to why the players have not yet received their daily allowances,” he continued.

This issue came to light when Pakistan men’s hockey team captain, Ammad Butt, addressed it during a media interaction on Thursday.

Butt voiced his discontent with the insufficient financial backing from relevant authorities and emphasized the continuing neglect of Pakistan’s national sport.

“Is there anyone who truly understands what Pakistan hockey is going through?” Ammad questioned.

“Do our politicians even care about the national sport? Do ministers show any interest in the game that once brought Olympic gold to this country? Businessmen are willing to spend vast amounts on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there is no budget,” he added.

According to sources, the players have been in Malaysia for more than a week and have yet to receive their daily allowances, which are reportedly PKR 30,000 per day.

The issue is not limited to the current tour. The PHF has not yet settled outstanding payments for two recent training camps. Players had requested partial payments before their departure to Malaysia to cover essential expenses, but this request was not met.