Financial Struggles of Pakistani Hockey Players Intensify Ahead of World Cup

The financial situation for Pakistani hockey players is deteriorating as they await unpaid dues from the Pakistan Hockey Federation. With their training camp allowance significantly reduced, players are expressing their dissatisfaction and concern ahead of the FIH World Cup. The team is set to compete in the FIH Pro League and the World Cup, but the uncertainty surrounding their finances raises questions about their preparation and morale. Discover more about the challenges they face as they gear up for international competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 16:46 IST

Financial Woes for Pakistani Hockey Team

The financial difficulties faced by Pakistani hockey players are worsening as they continue to await payment of their outstanding dues from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Compounding their troubles, the daily training camp allowance has been slashed just before the FIH World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium this August. Under the interim management of the PHF, players and officials will now receive a daily allowance of USD 110 while traveling abroad.

Players Highlight Financial Issues

As reported, players have voiced their concerns regarding the significant cut in their training camp allowance, which has dropped from USD 11 (3000 rupees) to USD 3.5 (1000 rupees) (approximately INR 335). A source affiliated with the PHF mentioned that senior players sought clarification on their allowances for the duration of the training camp. The announcement of the 20-man squad for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Belgium and England has also left players dissatisfied, particularly with the omission of their captain, Shakeel Ammad Butt, who has led the team since last year.

One player, speaking anonymously, expressed skepticism about the promised daily allowance of USD 110 for international tours, including the World Cup qualifying event in Egypt, stating, "We will only believe it once we receive that amount." He added that similar assurances from PHF officials in the past had not been fulfilled. Another player remarked, "We just want confirmation on whether we will indeed receive only 1000 rupees daily for the camp duration. This amount is an insult to national players." Pakistan is set to compete against Belgium, Spain, England, and their rivals India in the third leg of the FIH Pro League from June 13 to 27, followed by participation in the FIH World Cup.

Pakistan's FIH Pro League Squad

Goalkeepers: Waqar Ali, Ali Raza. Defenders: Abu Bakar, Arbaz Ahmad, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufyan Khan. Midfielders: Nadeem Khan, Ammad Shakeel, Moin Shakeel, Hammad Anjum, Zakriya Hayat. Forwards: Gjazanfar Ali, Mohammad Emmad, Rana Waleed, Afraz Khan, Rana Wahid, Abdur Rahman, Ahmad Nadeem, Arshad Liaquat, Hanan Shahid.