Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), met members of Pakistan’s national hockey team and assured them of full support ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Expressing regret over the mistreatment faced by players, Naqvi announced immediate measures to facilitate their training, travel, and medical needs.
During the meeting, national hockey players shared details of unpleasant incidents they faced during the Pro Hockey League. Naqvi expressed deep regret over the ill-treatment of hockey players and assured them that they would be accommodated in every possible way.
“We will not allow any form of insult to the dignity of the country,” Naqvi said, adding that Pakistan’s honor comes first.
Training camp, World Cup qualifiers
Naqvi announced that the hockey team’s training camp for the World Cup qualifiers will begin from tomorrow. He directed that all arrangements for the training camp must be completed by tonight.
The PCB chairman also ordered immediate arrangements for tickets, jerseys, kits, and hotel accommodation for the World Cup Qualifier tournament in Egypt.
Medical support for injured players
Mohsin Naqvi instructed the PCB to immediately arrange treatment for injured hockey players. He assured the team that PCB would bear the expenses and ensure proper medical care.
“You should only focus on the game,” he told the players, reiterating that off-field concerns would be addressed by the board.
Rs1m cheques for players
Naqvi handed over cheques of Rs1 million each to the players for finishing as runners-up in the Nations Cup. He had earlier announced the reward following the team’s performance, and the cheques were formally distributed during the meeting.
Hockey players thanked the PCB chairman for meeting them, encouraging them, and fulfilling his promise.
No restriction on captain Ammad Butt
Naqvi clarified that there is no restriction on captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, and he will continue to lead the team.
Players later described the meeting as pleasant, with Butt stating that Mohsin Naqvi assured them he would look after hockey affairs until the crisis is resolved.
No plan to take over hockey federation
According to a PCB spokesperson, Naqvi has no intention of becoming president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation. However, he pledged to support hockey players and help streamline hockey matters until stability is restored.
Ammad Butt said the players have suggested appointing Roelant Oltmans as coach, and that PCB will continue to assist in managing hockey affairs.
Naqvi reiterated that full cooperation would be extended to streamline hockey matters and protect the dignity of the sport.
