LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s hockey team has secured qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup after an eight-year absence, a milestone for the sport in the country. Yet, instead of celebration, the moment has been clouded by growing concerns over player payments and financial instability within the national setup.
Team’s close quarters revealed that players were paid a daily allowance of just $40 during the World Cup qualifying campaign, a steep decline from the $150–$200 they previously received on international tours. With no central contracts or match fees in place, daily allowances remain the primary source of income for national players, making the reduction particularly damaging.
Adding to the frustration, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has yet to clear outstanding dues, leaving players uncertain about their financial security. This issue is not new—earlier in January, players staged protests against reduced and delayed payments, even boycotting training sessions. The dispute escalated ahead of the FIH Pro League tour of Australia, where uncertainty over allowances nearly jeopardized Pakistan’s participation.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) intervened at that time, approving a revised daily allowance of around $115 for the Australia tour. While this provided temporary relief, the tour itself turned controversial. Players publicly criticized the PHF for mismanagement, citing poor planning, inadequate facilities, and even having to prepare their own meals and wash dishes due to substandard arrangements.
The PSB later clarified that funds had been released in advance, but shortcomings at the federation level led to the difficulties faced by the team. The fallout triggered widespread criticism of the PHF’s management, with demands for structural reforms and accountability.
