In a significant development for Pakistan hockey, national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt recently met with Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the sport’s future.
The meeting, which signals a renewed focus on hockey, saw Naqvi announce substantial financial and logistical support for the national team.
During the discussion, Mohsin Naqvi pledged PKR 1 million for each player, a move aimed at boosting morale and providing much-needed financial stability.
Beyond monetary aid, Naqvi assured the team of full support from the PCB, extending access to its state-of-the-art facilities for medical and fitness needs. This commitment from the PCB Chairman, who also holds a key government portfolio, underscores a high-level intent to revive Pakistan’s national sport.
This positive interaction follows a period where Pakistan hockey has faced various challenges, including financial constraints and a recent decision to withdraw from the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India due to security concerns.
The captain, Ammad Shakeel Butt, has been vocal about the need for greater support for players, even declining a previous invitation from the Pakistan Sports Board due to insufficient travel expenses.
The meeting with Mohsin Naqvi, however, appears to mark a turning point. Naqvi has previously met with hockey legends to discuss the sport’s revival, promising to leverage his position to restore its former glory.
This direct engagement between the national team captain and a high-ranking official, coupled with concrete financial and infrastructural pledges, offers a glimmer of hope for the resurgence of Pakistan hockey on the global stage. The focus now shifts to how quickly these assurances translate into sustained improvements and international success for the Green Shirts.
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