Imad Shakeel, the captain of Pakistan’s national hockey team, has highlighted significant financial difficulties several team members face.
In a recent statement, he discussed the ongoing economic challenges within the team, especially affecting those from less affluent backgrounds who struggle to meet basic living expenses such as housing rent and utility bills.
Shakeel pointed out that despite a slight improvement in the team’s performance in recent months, the players’ financial stability has not seen corresponding progress. Job losses within the department compound this issue, exacerbating the economic strain on the players.
He further explained that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had used the funds the Pakistan Sports Board granted for international travel expenses, leaving little for player allowances. Shakeel emphasized the dependency on government support, stating, “If the government provides funds, then we will be able to give allowances to the players.”
The report details that players are entitled to training camp and match allowances, with domestic daily allowances set at 3,000 and international daily allowances at 35,000. However, all national team members have been deprived of these allowances for the past 25 days.
Shakeel expressed his frustration and noted that even after returning from a tournament in China and a 25-day training camp in Islamabad, the players have yet to receive their due allowances. This ongoing financial neglect poses a significant challenge to the welfare and motivation of the players as they represent their country on international platforms.
