Before departing for Europe, the Belgian and Dutch embassies hosted a dinner in honor of the Pakistani squad. Instead of presenting themselves as ambassadors of the sport, the players arrived in casual attire — some even wearing slippers. Guests struggled to recognize them, repeatedly asking where the team was. PHF President Mohiuddin Wani, when confronted, admitted he had no idea the players would attend in such fashion. Observers were left wondering

A.M.Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national hockey team has once again found itself at the center of controversy during the ongoing World Cup in Europe. What should have been a proud moment for the country has instead turned into a series of embarrassing episodes, exposing deep flaws in management, preparation, and professionalism. Pakistan lost to England 4-1.

In a bid to revive the sport, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) hired foreign coaches. However, the appointments came too late, and the coaches themselves lacked the necessary experience to handle a team under immense pressure. Worse still, they received little support from local management. Internal groupings and politics within the federation left the coaching staff isolated, unable to implement a coherent strategy. This lack of unity has been described by critics as “non‑professional at the peak of competition.”

Before departing for Europe, the Belgian and Dutch embassies hosted a dinner in honor of the Pakistani squad. Instead of presenting themselves as ambassadors of the sport, the players arrived in casual attire — some even wearing slippers. Guests struggled to recognize them, repeatedly asking where the team was. PHF President Mohiuddin Wani, when confronted, admitted he had no idea the players would attend in such fashion. Observers were left wondering: If the president doesn’t know, then who does? The incident highlighted a glaring absence of discipline and respect for international representation.

The problems did not stop at appearances. In their opening match against England, Pakistan’s captain was benched following a bizarre sequence. England was awarded a penalty stroke early in the game, but Pakistani players were unprepared — they had not brought their safety gear onto the field. The match was delayed as players scrambled, having forgotten to carry the equipment from the locker room. Such negligence shocked international audiences. World Cup organizers were forced to pause the game, an unprecedented move in modern hockey. Commentators described the incident as “a shameful lapse that simply does not happen anywhere else.”

Further embarrassment followed when Pakistan was seen fielding 12 players instead of the standard 11 in one match. In short‑format play, six players were spotted on the field instead of five. These fundamental errors, which no professional team would commit, reinforced the perception that Pakistan hockey is adrift. Critics argue that these mistakes reflect not just poor training but a complete breakdown in management oversight.

PHF President Mohiuddin Wani has publicly expressed frustration. “We are spending money, but when will these players gain basic sense? Mistakes that never happen in world hockey are routine for us,” he lamented. His remarks underline the growing divide between federation officials and the players, with accountability seemingly absent at every level.

The reaction from fans and former players has been swift and harsh. Many believe Pakistan hockey has reached a point where only a professional overhaul can save it. Calls are growing for the federation to bring in a disciplined, experienced management team that can instill professionalism both on and off the field. Supporters argue that without structural reform, Pakistan will continue to embarrass itself on the international stage.