Pakistan’s national hockey team secured qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup after an eight-year absence, but the achievement has been overshadowed by growing concerns over player payments and ongoing financial instability.
According to reports, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) paid players a daily allowance of just $40 during the World Cup qualifying campaign, a sharp 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.
Moreover, there has also been no update from the PHF regarding the clearance of outstanding dues, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding player welfare.
The lack of financial support has been widely seen as a major setback for players who have continued to represent the country despite ongoing challenges. However, the allowance issue is not new and has persisted for some time.
Earlier in January, players protested against reduced and delayed payments, even boycotting training sessions over the non-payment of agreed daily allowances. The dispute later intensified ahead of the FIH Pro League tour of Australia, where uncertainty over payments put Pakistan’s participation in doubt.
In response, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) intervened and approved a revised daily allowance of around $115 for the Australia tour, providing temporary relief and enabling the team to travel.
However, the Australia tour soon turned into a major controversy. Upon returning to Pakistan, the hockey team players publicly criticized the PHF for mismanagement, citing poor planning and a lack of basic facilities.
Reports pointed to accommodation issues and delays in travel planning, while players also had to prepare their own meals and even wash dishes due to inadequate arrangements.
The PSB later stated that funds had been released in advance, but shortcomings at the federation level led to the difficulties faced by the team.
The fallout triggered criticism of the PHF’s management, with calls for accountability and structural reforms. While some administrative changes followed, the underlying issues appear to remain largely unresolved.
As Pakistan prepares for the World Cup, the ongoing financial uncertainty and absence of long-term player support continue to raise concerns about stability within the national setup.
