ISLAMABAD: Serious financial and administrative mismanagement issues have surfaced regarding the ongoing tour of Pakistan hockey team in Australia, raising questions about the conduct of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) despite full financial support from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
According to details shared with The News by Director General PSB Yasir Pirzada, the Board released an advance payment of US $49,280 to PHF against a formal invoice submitted for accommodation at DoubleTree by Hilton.
The booking reportedly covered 12 double occupancy rooms and two single occupancy rooms for the duration of the team’s stay.
In addition to the hotel payment, PSB also released a daily allowance USD 115 per player/official to cover meal expenses during the tour.
However, PSB said the national team was not accommodated at the DoubleTree by Hilton as per the submitted invoice.
Instead, the players were allegedly housed in alternate low-cost arrangements, reportedly including Airbnb-style accommodation. Sources further claimed that the team faced logistical issues during transit, causing inconvenience and distress to players.
Even more concerning are reports that individuals associated with the team sought financial contributions from members of the Pakistani community in Australia to arrange accommodation and related expenses -- despite the fact that full advance funds had already been disbursed by PSB for these purposes -- proof of which is available with this correspondent shared by PSB.
A detailed questionnaire was sent to PHF President Tariq Bugti seeking clarification on several points, including receipt of the US $49,280, actual accommodation arrangements, disbursement of daily allowances, alleged community fundraising, reported transit mismanagement, submission of financial records, and whether visa applications were mishandled resulting in additional financial burden on PSB.
The questionnaire also raised a related concern regarding the team’s earlier visit to Bangladesh, where the hotel payment was allegedly made only partially and cleared after the hotel contacted the Pakistani authorities following the team’s return.
In response, Bugti issued a brief statement saying: “Sport board manages everything for pro leagues. They should manage timely”.
When reminded that PHF had formally emailed PSB on the 20th, requesting funds for DoubleTree hotel reservations — and that the funds were released on the 28th, with documentary evidence of the cheque and correspondence shared — no further response was received from the PHF president.
The developments have raised serious concerns within sports circles about financial transparency, governance standards and the international image of Pakistan hockey.
With documented advance payments released and allegations of downgraded accommodation and external fundraising surfacing simultaneously, pressure is mounting for a comprehensive financial audit and independent inquiry into the management of the tour.
PSB officials maintain that all requested funds were provided in a timely manner upon formal requisition by the PHF. The ball now lies in PHF’s court to clarify the discrepancies and restore confidence in the federation’s administrative conduct.
