PHF calls meeting of national hockey players, officials after tour mismanagement in Australia  

Development follows circulation of a video on social media showing what were described as substandard facilities provided to the Pakistan squad

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 18^th, 2026) The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has called a meeting of national team players and officials after reports of inadequate arrangements during the team’s recent tour of Australia triggered widespread concern.

The development follows the circulation of a video on social media showing what were described as substandard facilities provided to the Pakistan squad.

After returning to the country, national captain Emmad Butt confirmed that the team had been accommodated in below-standard lodging and said players were compelled to wash their own utensils and clothes during the tour.

A press conference is expected in the coming days in which PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti and Secretary Rana Mujahid will outline the federation’s decisions and future course of action.

Emmad Butt also expressed reluctance to continue working under the current team management and urged the federation to take swift action, stressing that the side has limited time to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier taken notice of the reported mistreatment and directed that the matter be examined.

According to PHF sources, senior players, including Emmad Butt and Hannan Shahid, have been invited to attend a meeting with federation officials. Head coach Tahir Zaman, along with coaches Usman and Zeeshan Ashraf, has also been summoned to present their account of events.

Sources within the federation said the PHF leadership will listen to both the players and management before reaching a decision.

The team is scheduled to depart for Egypt next week to participate in the World Cup qualifying round, making it imperative for the issue to be resolved promptly.

PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti is expected to review the accommodation arrangements and other administrative matters in detail. After consultations with his advisory panel, action may be initiated against those found responsible for any negligence.

In addition to addressing off-field issues, officials are also likely to seek clarification from players regarding the team’s performance during the tour, where they conceded a significant number of goals.