Hockey Team Awaits International Allowances After FIH Nations Cup

The Pakistan national hockey team’s players have expressed concerns about the delay in receiving international allowances, even after receiving local daily allowances. The players are finding it difficult to manage household expenditures because of the delay.

Sources indicate that the players are still awaiting their international daily allowances and have not been given a specific timeframe for when they will receive them.

This delay has led to growing discontent within the team, as more than six weeks have elapsed since the FIH Nations Cup concluded without the disbursement of the funds.

“It’s challenging to manage a household with just domestic allowances. While participating in events is crucial and we’re dedicated, we also have families to support,” the players stated.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti addressed the matter, confirming that local allowances have been settled.

However, he acknowledged that the federation is experiencing considerable financial difficulties.

“Before the Nations Cup, we informed the players that we were utilizing our savings to send the team. These are tough times, and we currently lack the necessary funds,” Bugti stated.

He clarified that the players have been given their domestic daily allowance of PKR 3,000 per day. The international daily allowance, which is PKR 30,000 per day, will be paid once enough funds are available.

Tariq Bugti revealed that the federation has sought an extension from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding the deadline for confirming the national team’s participation in the Pro League.

The International Hockey Federation formally invited Pakistan’s men’s team last month to join the Pro League after New Zealand withdrew from the competition despite winning the Nations Cup.

The PHF had until August 12 to inform the International Hockey Federation of its decision to either accept or decline the invitation.