Lahore: Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has declined an invitation to a luncheon hosted by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), citing insufficient travel reimbursement. The PSB had offered Rs. 5,600 to cover travel costs to Islamabad, a sum Butt criticized as barely enough to pay toll fees. “This amount barely covers the toll expenses,” he stated, skipping the official event.
The luncheon had been arranged to honor national athletes, and five other hockey players—Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah, Muneeb ur Rehman, and Hannan Shahid—were also invited. Prominent sports figures like Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt were among the broader list of invitees.
The controversy comes from Pakistan’s tough 6-2 loss to New Zealand in the FIH Nations Cup final, held at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore. Despite a spirited tournament, Pakistan’s hopes were dashed as New Zealand dominated.
Early goals from Scott Cosslett and Sam Hiha set the tone, with further strikes from Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde taking the score to 5-0 by halftime.
Pakistan found some momentum in the third quarter, with goals from Zikriya Hayat and Sufyan Khan, but their failure to convert multiple penalty corners proved costly. New Zealand’s sixth goal, again from Cosslett, sealed the title.
The PSB’s handling of travel expenses now risks overshadowing the national team’s notable campaign. Ammad’s refusal to attend has sparked debate on how sports authorities support and recognize athletes.
