The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has confirmed that it provided the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) more than Rs. 10 million to arrange hotel accommodation for the national team during its tour of Australia.
The cheque, worth Rs. 10.5 million, was issued on January 28. The PSB also released a photocopy of the cheque, stating that it had fulfilled its responsibilities by paying in advance for air tickets, hotel accommodation, and daily allowances.
According to the board, the government approved a special grant of more than Rs. 30 million to cover all expenses related to the FIH Pro League campaign.
The confirmation comes after reports revealed that the Pakistan hockey team faced serious accommodation issues during its tour of Australia.
Pakistan Sports Board has confirmed that it had given Pakistan Hockey Federation more than 10 million rupees to arrange for hotel accommodation of the national team in Australia. The cheque was issued on January 28.
Han bhai PHF walon, koi sharam, koi haya?
via Geo News pic.twitter.com/M77tshJ54q
— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) February 16, 2026
According to reports, the team was forced to wait 13 to 14 hours at Sydney Airport because no accommodation or food had been arranged for the players and officials before their onward flight to Canberra.
After traveling nearly 24 hours from Lahore to Australia’s capital for the second leg of the Pro League, the players and support staff arrived at a designated four-star hotel in Canberra. However, they were informed that no booking existed under their names. Reports indicated that the issue was linked to unpaid bills by the PHF.
The players were then forced to wait outside the hotel with their luggage for several hours. Members of the Pakistani community in Canberra later arranged low-cost Airbnb accommodation for the team.
A viral video filmed during the team’s final days in the city showed players staying in cramped quarters on the outskirts of Hobart, with limited amenities and multiple athletes sharing small rooms.
Despite the reports, the PHF has denied that players or officials faced any difficulties in Australia. The federation described the coverage as an attempt to demoralize the team.
